Surprise Shannon inspection by gardaí Ceejay and Jordan

Garda Jordan Perez (8) with firefighter Eamonn Power. Photo: Sean Curtin

Meadbh McGrath

The country's youngest gardaí were treated to a special surprise during an inspection of Shannon Airport's VIP room.

Yesterday, Ceejay McArdle (4), from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, and Jordan Perez (8), from Sixmilebridge, were delighted to meet Munster and Ireland rugby player CJ Stander.

Garda Ceejay McArdle and Garda Jordan Perez with Munster and Ireland rugby star CJ Stander; Niall Maloney, operations director, Shannon Airport; and Chief Superintendent John Kerin. Photo: Sean Curtin

Ceejay, who is undergoing treatment for leukaemia, became the youngest ever member of An Garda Síochána last year.

He was joined by Jordan, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, as they carried out security checks for the day with Chief Superintendent John Kerin and Superintendent Brendan McDonagh.

The boys also flew into Shannon on the Department of Marine's search and rescue helicopter, and received a special water cannon salute from the Airport Police Fire Service.

"We've a lot of great members of the force but it's fair to say that Ceejay and Jordan are right up there with the best," said Garda Sergeant Ann-Marie Starr.

Ceejay McAardle (4) was made an honorary Garda this year, in light of his bravery in his cancer battle Photo: Sean Curtin