Today Templemore Garda college saw its youngest recruit leave its ranks this afternoon and become the youngest member of the Gardai.
The newest member of the force will surely delight many as brave little Brave Ceejay McArdle a three year old leukaemia sufferer and avid fan of the men in blue was given the special honour of joining hundreds of his fellow officers at the college during the passing out ceremony.
The brave young boy who will turn 4 this weekend will have a birthday he will never forget as the college even provided a special garda uniform along with newly polished shoes for his big day.
The special and emotional occasion has delighted Ceejay’s parents Susan Brown and Marcus McArdle who told The Irish Mirror: “We are very proud of him.”
A grateful mum Susan explained: “Every parents dream is to watch their child grow up and graduate, we just never dreamt in a million years that our special little boy would be graduating just five days off his fourth birthday.
“We are so excited and so honoured to be taking part in the passing out ceremony in Templemore. We really are bursting with pride. “Too many children have lost their fight against childhood cancer and I suppose it’s a fear that never really leaves us so we really value every single minute we have with our little warrior and realise how lucky we are to be able to partake in such special events.”
The occasion is made all the more special after Ceejay was made an honorary garda in Drogheda on St Paterick’s day when he led the town’s parade in Drogheda, which has led to messages of support from police forces from all across the World.
The over the moon mum added: “Ceejay was asked recently was he going to be a Guard when he grew up to which he replied ‘eh I am a Garda already’.
“We are even extra excited that Ceejay’s grandparents and his aunt Majella will be attending the graduation along with all his new colleagues. It will be a day of joy, pride, remembrance and I am sure there will be lots of tears on the day also.
“We really can never thank the Gardaí enough for what they have done for our family, they have given us hope again.”