Tributes paid to 'loyal and esteemed' Cork garda Sgt Ben Flahive

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well known Cork garda and GAA stalwart.

Sergeant Ben Flahive, who was the sergeant-in-charge of the Juvenile Diversion Programme for Cork city and county, died on Friday night following an illness.

He was a member of Douglas GAA club and had been active in underage GAA at county level in Cork.

Sgt Flahive was a native of Doneraile in north Cork. He is survived by his wife Pauline, his sons Kevin and Brian, parents Jack and Mary, and siblings. Kevin plays football with Cork.

Chief Superintendent for Cork city, Barry McPolin, said his death was sad for his wife Pauline, sons Kevin and Brian and his wider family, as well as for An Garda Síochána.

Chief Supt McPolin added: “He was a loyal and esteemed colleague, who I held in the highest of regard. I knew him since the 1990s and I served with him in Watercourse Road.”

He went on to become sergeant-in-charge of community policing in Cork city before becoming the sergeant in charge of the juvenile diversion unit.

Chief Supt McPolin said: “He worked with a lot of people in the youth diversion area, with several youth organisations, and with the Department of Justice and Equality. He was a stalwart of the Garda Youth Awards.”

Cork city councillor Tony Fitzgerald of Fianna Fáil said he knew Sgt Flahive through his work with garda youth projects for a number of years.

Cllr Fitzgerald said: “Ben had a great vision in addressing crime prevention and played a leading role the juvenile liaison scheme and restorative justice programme. He had a great way of supporting young people.”

On their Facebook page, Douglas GAA club described Sgt Flahive as “a loyal and dedicated Douglas Gaa club committee member and mentor and great friend who gave sterling service to our club.”

The post added: “The thoughts and prayers of the club are with Pauline,kevin and brian and the extended family at this most difficult time.”

The club’s Under 18 football championship final game against Ballincollig, scheduled for tonight, has been deferred to tomorrow night as a mark of respect to Sgt Flahive.

His removal takes place on Monday evening at 6.30pm from the Temple Hill Funeral Home to the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield. His requiem Mass takes place at 11am on Tuesday, with burial in St John’s cemetery, Ballinrea.