IPA PRESIDENT BILLY SAUNDERSON'S CHRISTMAS
AND
NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL IPA MEMBERS

GARDA COMMISSIONER MURPHY'S CHRISTMAS 
AND
NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL IPA MEMBERS

As the long winter nights close in and we wrap against the chill winds, the festive lights, busy shopping streets and Christ-like images tell us that Christmas is near.   It is a time when friends remember and families appreciate.   It is a time of memories, some good some sad, but memories we all wish to share.  

These memories can be generated in several ways but for the IPA “family” member the opportunities are many.   Local Santa parties offer the opportunity of exchange and interchange between young families as do BBQ evenings, Hillwalking adventures and mystery daytrips.   Our teenagers avail of Youth Exchange Programmes and attend International Youth Gatherings, their memories and new friendships last long after the event.   Professional visits and exchanges among our serving members with other Sections is something the participants would not change.   Then all ages have experienced the camaraderie and banter of foreign trips, sporting competitions, local outing, hosting visitors, charity fundraising events and much more.   To those of you who have had these experiences, long may the memories last, to those of you who have not, you may make that promise to yourself now for 2008.

The staging of such activities do not materialise on their own and at this time it is opportune to pay tribute and thank the many who give so much of their time to make these occasions possible.   They are the hardworking volunteers in the National Executive Committee, Regional and Branch Committees, House Managers, the many ‘ordinary’ members who give so freely of their time when called upon so often and of course our Office Staff at IPA House in Dublin

Keeping all in mind, it is my pleasant duty during this season of goodwill to bring Christmas and New Year greetings to IPA members in Section Ireland .  The wide readership allows the greeting to visit IPA homes in Ireland and abroad and maintains that valuable link with our colleagues on duty in foreign lands.  

As we celebrate family and friends we remember especially those on foreign duty and most especially those of us who have been bereaved during the past year and hope some comfort can be found during this peaceful time.

To you, your family and friends, I offer my very best wishes for a peaceful, safe Christmas and health and happiness in the coming New Year.

Servo per Amikeco

Billy Saunderson

President

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to extend Christmas and New Year greetings to all IPA members, their families and readers of the IPA Journal.

I hope that members of the International Police Association, who devote so much of their efforts to the cultivation of friendship and goodwill, both at home and abroad, enjoy peace and contentment this Christmas.

As always at this time of year, we reflect in prayer and fond remembrance of family members, friends and colleagues who passed away during the year.   Suaimhneas siorraí dá n-anam.

I wish you all good health and happiness this Christmas season and throughout the coming year.   Guím síocháin agus sonas daoibh go léir le h-aghaidh na Nollag agus na h-Athbliana.

M.F. Murphy

Commissioner