A 45-year-old Co Limerick Garda superintendent yesterday became the first person in the State to be awarded a master of arts degree in Peace and Development Studies.
Supt Eddie MacEoin, Askeaton station, received his parchment from the president of the University of Limerick, Prof Roger Downer, after two years of research. His thesis looked at the relationship that exists between the Garda and non-governmental organisations involved in dealing with child abuse in Ireland.
The degree parameters were worked out two years ago between the University of Limerick and the Garda after the murder of Det Garda Jerry McCabe by the IRA in Adare, Co Limerick, in June 1997.
Prof Dominic Murray, of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies at the university, said that the work done by Supt MacEoin for his research scholarship produced important findings and recommendations that are likely to have a significant influence on future Garda policy and practice in the area.
Supt MacEoin, who studied Personnel Management at UCC, said: "I feel honoured to have received this degree, particularly as it perpetuates the memory of Det Garda McCabe".
Supt MacEoin was born in Skibbereen, Co Cork, where his father was a Garda sergeant. He is married with three children, and has served in Dublin, the Garda College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, Dunmanway and Clonakilty, Co Cork, before moving on to Limerick in 1993.