Dónall Ó Cualáin facts for kids

Dónall Ó Cualáin was a very important police officer in Ireland. He was born on November 4, 1957. He served as the temporary leader of the Irish police force, called the Garda Síochána, from September 2017 to September 2018. This happened after the previous leader, Nóirín O'Sullivan, left her job.

About Dónall Ó Cualáin

Dónall Ó Cualáin grew up in a place called Carna in County Galway, Ireland. This area is special because many people there speak the Irish language fluently. Dónall Ó Cualáin is also a fluent Irish speaker.

His Career in the Garda Síochána

Dónall Ó Cualáin had a long and successful career in the Garda Síochána. On October 20, 2015, he became a very senior officer. He was appointed as the Deputy Garda Commissioner. This role meant he helped lead the police force and plan its future strategies.

In September 2017, the previous Garda Commissioner resigned. Dónall Ó Cualáin was then chosen to step in as the temporary leader. He became the Acting Garda Commissioner on September 11, 2017. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan, appointed him to this important role.

New Leadership and Retirement

While Dónall Ó Cualáin was the Acting Commissioner, the government looked for a new permanent leader. On June 26, 2018, Drew Harris was announced as the next Garda Commissioner. Drew Harris had been a senior officer in the police force in Northern Ireland.

Dónall Ó Cualáin continued as Acting Commissioner until Drew Harris officially took over. This happened on September 3, 2018. After the new Commissioner started, Dónall Ó Cualáin retired from the police force.