MINI GARDA: Alexis O'Mahony from Woodlawn lit up when she received a visit from local Gardai and will later this year become an honorary member of the Force.

By Michelle Crean

A four-year-old little girl will be the first Killarney child to graduate as an honorary Garda after receiving a surprise house visit by the local members of the Force on Friday last.

Alexis O'Mahony from Woodlawn lit up with excitement when local Gardai paid a house call as part of their Little Blue Heroes (LBH) charity work which helps children who are ill or have special needs.

Garda Gillian Mac Eoin, Sharon Maybury, Michelle Reddy, Emmet Flanagan, John Crowley and Mark Foley called by in a Paddy Wagon and two patrol cars and handed her a Garda jacket and hat to wear.

Alexis, daughter of Steve and Teresa, suffers from Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (PDHD) a condition that affects her ability to breakdown food to fuel the body which results in side effects that include Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy.

Her dad Steve told the Killarney Advertiser that she really enjoyed it - as did the neighbours once they knew why their estate was surrounded by Gardai.

"She was smiling right throughout when we were outside with them. She seemed to enjoy all the stimulation as she's been inside for the last few months."

Over the last few months Alexis received a number of gifts from the Gardai including an Easter egg, Gardai beanie hat, and a Tesco voucher was kindly given to her parents.

She'll later be given a specially made Garda uniform which is currently being made, her liaison officer Garda Gillian Mac Eoin told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We put on an extra small Garda jacket on her on Friday and her face just lit up as soon as did it. We're getting her little uniform made."

Gillian explained Little Blue Heroes is a lovely way to help distract children who are sick or may be going through difficult times.

"It something different for the kids to distract them. They go through enough. It's great to give them some extra special attention.

LBH are brilliant. They send toys and financial assistance to families and if the family needs anything like a Garda escort in an emergency they know we're there and who to contact."

And later this year Alexis will become a mini Garda graduate, she added.

"We don't know when yet due to COVID but it'll be in the next few months all going well."