Council to honour Criminal Assets Bureau founder Barry Galvin with with Freedom of Cork City

A man who helped establish the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), which works to dismantle organised crime, is to receive the Freedom of Cork city.

Cork City Council has formally approved the conferral of the Freedom of the City on Barry Galvin, a principal architect of the CAB.

The ceremony will take place in January 2027.

Proposed by Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Damian Boylan and backed by broad cross-party support, the honour recognises Mr Galvin’s outstanding public service, distinguished legal career and central role in transforming Ireland’s response to organised crime.

“Barry Galvin helped change the way this country took on organised crime,” the Lord Mayor said.

“He understood that criminals should never be allowed to destroy communities and then openly enjoy the wealth they had made from that destruction.

“He brought the legal knowledge, determination and practical ability to help turn that principle into an organisation that could act. His contribution has made a lasting difference to Ireland, and it is fitting that his own city should recognise it.

“I am delighted that Council has formally approved this honour, with broad support across parties.

“Public service of this calibre deserves recognition across the political spectrum.”

Mr Galvin served as State Solicitor for Cork city from 1983 until 2013.

In 1996, following the murders of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and journalist Veronica Guerin, he played a central role in a fundamental change to the State’s response to serious crime. The killings had shocked the country.

Detective Garda McCabe was murdered in Adare, Co Limerick, on June 7, 1996, during an attempted robbery of an An Post van he was escorting with his colleague, Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan, who was seriously injured.

Just weeks later, on June 26, journalist Veronica Guerin was murdered in Dublin following her reporting on organised crime.

Mr Galvin was instrumental in preparing the legislation and establishing the operational procedures underpinning the Criminal Assets Bureau, which brought together Garda, Revenue and social welfare expertise to identify and pursue the proceeds of crime.

He became the CAB’s first bureau legal officer, serving from 1996 to 2003.

The Lord Mayor said: “We remember Jerry McCabe and Veronica Guerin as people who went out to do their jobs and never came home.

“Their families, friends and colleagues have lived with that loss ever since.

“Their murders shook Ireland. There was an overwhelming determination that those who used violence and intimidation could not be allowed to dictate how people lived.

“Barry Galvin was central to translating that determination into action. Alongside his colleagues, he helped build a response that went after the money and challenged the belief that the proceeds of crime were beyond the State’s reach.

“In honouring Barry, we also acknowledge the courage of those who uphold the law, expose wrongdoing and stand with communities affected by crime.”

The Lord Mayor said the Freedom of Cork award was an expression of the people and values the city held in the highest regard.

“Barry’s record of service, his contribution to justice and his lasting impact on this country make him a worthy recipient. He has given Cork every reason to be proud. In January, we will have the privilege of saying thank you on behalf of his city."