Supt Shelly's pension a disgrace - Carthy sister

The sister of John Carthy has strongly criticised the manner in which Supt Joe Shelly has been allowed to retire on full pension despite being criticised in the Morris tribunal report and being the scene commander when her brother was shot.

Marie Carthy, whose brother John Carthy was shot dead by gardaí at Abbeylara, Co Cavan, in April 2000, said it was an "absolute disgrace" Supt Shelly had been allowed to retire with full pension from July 31st despite the findings against him in the Morris tribunal report and the fact his role was central to the events the Barr tribunal is investigating.

Supt Shelly's role as scene commander at Abbeylara has been examined by the Barr tribunal.

"I think it's an absolute disgrace that Mr Shelly should be allowed to retire with a pension. In my opinion he should be kept in the force until the outcome of the Barr tribunal."

She added: "It's like giving him a pat on the back and saying well done for all the things he's done wrong and all the mistakes he's made. And it's an insult to our family and the McBrearty family that he is allowed retire with a pension."

Ms Carthy's comments came as the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy flew to Donegal yesterday for a day-long summit with the most senior officers in that division.

Mr Conroy left Dublin at 10am and was still in Letterkenny late last night.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, who is in charge of operations, and Assistant Commissioner Nacie Rice, who is in charge of human resources throughout the force.

The high-level delegation met at Letterkenny Garda station with all the superintendents in the region, along with the division's Chief Supt Noel White and the Assistant Commissioner for the northern division Catherine Clancy.

A Garda spokesman confirmed Mr Conroy was in Donegal but declined to comment further.

However, The Irish Times understands Mr Conroy decided to travel to Donegal to discuss policing in the division with his senior officers.

The visit was also seen as a morale booster for the officers.

It is understood Mr Conroy clearly outlined to the officers present the standards expected from them and from the members in their charge.

The findings of the interim reports of the Morris tribunal were discussed at length and some of the senior Donegal officers present offered their own interpretation of the events now under scrutiny.

Yesterday's summit was the first in a number of visits planned by Mr Conroy.

The Barr tribunal, which has concluded public hearings, is due to report in September.