Garda Magda was wonderful friend to the local community
NEWS of the death of community garda Magdalena Trzesimiech drew gasps of shock and sadness from residents at the recent Ballyfermot policing meeting.
Magdalena (37), was stationed in Ballyfermot Garda Station for the last two years and regarded as a highly capable “persons policeman” in the community.
Originally from Poland, Magda lived in Shankill with her husband Alex Moffatt, an assistant night editor at DMG Ireland, and their two-year-old son Adam.
Living in Ireland for 12 years, she thrived in community policing since her appointment in 2009 - receiving numerous commendations during her term.
A qualified school teacher, Magda was respected to such a degree that her funeral service at St Anne’s Church in Shankill on December 14, featured a guard of honour, and was attended by senior ranking members of An Garda Síochána.
Clondalkin Superintendent Brendan Connolly praised Magda as a “thorough, capable and friendly” person.
“She was very focused on what she was doing – her main ambition was to be involved in community policing,” said Supt Connolly.
“You want someone with the right qualities for the role, which she had. It is a terrible loss. Very unexpected. We will miss her comradeship and the person that she was.
“If she couldn’t attend a community meeting, she would ask a colleague to go in her place, and would ring them two minutes after the meeting to ask if everything went well.
“Her colleagues think she was really checking to make sure that they attended the meeting.
“One of her few quotes was that she didn’t need a lot of money – the simple things in life made her happy.”
The Echo understands Magda suffered from a sudden illness and passed away quickly – leaving behind her Irish family and a sister in Poland.
Chapelizod resident Peter Kavanagh, said: “She was a persons policeman and would reach out to people when she came down to the community hall. She would say the people are nice in Ireland and that this was her new home.
“It was with great sadness that we heard the news before Christmas. AGS were superb at the funeral and it was great to see the respect they showed Magda, and Alex and baby Adam. Magda had terrific people skills and was a wonderful friend.”
