A member of An Garda Shiochána injured in the Derrada Woods Hostage rescue in Leitrim forty years ago is to receive a posthumous bravery award.
Sergeant Daniel 'Donie' Kelleher was part of the search of the woods in December 1983 for prominent businessman Don Tidey who had been abducted by armed members of the IRA.
Detective Kelleher was shot in the knee while providing armed cover to Gardaí escorting Mr. Tidey to safety.
During the course of the search Garda Gary Sheehan and Longford man Private Patrick Kelly were shot, fatally wounded and died at the scene.
The Tralee man served across the country over the course of his career and passed away on the 4th of February of this year.
The Scott Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Commissioner and is awarded for 'most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty'.
Detective Kelleher's colleagues were awarded medals for their role in 2021, with the late Detective to be awarded the Bronze Scott Medal at a ceremony tomorrow morning.
