From ‘orphan’ to top garda – Former senior officer opens up about abusive childhood

Former Garda tells his remarkable story in gripping new book

Maurice Heffernan lives in Malta

Eamon Dillon

A former senior garda who investigated the murder of Veronica Guerin during his decorated career has opened up about his abusive childhood.Maurice Heffernan had a tough start to life and after being taken from a foster family in 1952, he was locked up in St Joseph’s Institution.

In a book about his life, the Kerry native details his remarkable journey from an abused ‘orphan’ to detective sergeant in the early days of the garda drugs squad.