Young Isaac is newest garda recruit patrolling the streets
By Mary Dennehy
A YOUNG boy with an undiagnosed genetic condition is An Garda Siochana’s newest recruit, with the streets of Kilnamanagh a much happier place thanks to his patrols.
Living in Kilnamanagh with mam Ashley, dad Dean, nanna Marie and big sister Madison, six-year-old Isaac Keenan, who attends Scoil Mochua in Clondalkin, has a rare, undiagnosed genetic condition.
Isaac in the garda car
Speaking with The Echo, mam Ashley said that her young son has an intellectual disability and is tube fed due to the rare condition, which has resulted in Isaac been in-and-out of hospital since he was seven weeks old.
According to Ashley, it can be difficult trying to figure out what toys Isaac would like, as he’s non-verbal.
However, Santa being Santa this year delivered the perfect present for Isaac, who loves flashing lights, Garda cars and firebrigades.
“It can be hard at times to buy gifts for children with disabilities, they can’t communicate what they want”, Ashley said.
“However, Santa got it right this year and brought Isaac a police bike, and Little Blue Heroes [a Garda foundation that supports seriously ill children] gave Santa An Garda Siochana stickers to put on the bike.
On his bike with sister Madison patrolling the streets
“By 8am on Christmas morning, Isaac was going around the estate on his new bike… delighted.”
No new garda recruit out on patrol should be without a hat, so Isaac’s nanna Marie decided to contact An Garda Siochana.
“My mam Marie saw a message that local gardai put out inviting anybody who needed support to get in touch”, Ashley said.
“My mam emailed them and asked if it was possible to get a Garda hat for Isaac, he’s obsessed with hats as well.”
Last Thursday (January 14), Isaac received a special visit from members of the Community Policing Unit in Tallaght, who brought with them a specially sized Garda hat and books, colouring pencils and activity packs.
“Issac doesn’t always engage with people, he’s in his own little world”, Ashley said.
“However, he completely engaged with the gardai… it was one of the best days, he was absolutely thrilled.
“The gardai put on the sirens and everything, he was so excited.
“It was amazing seeing him so thrilled and doing something kids his age do.”
A video shared by Ashley, which was posted on The Echo’s social media channels, shows Isaac’s pure joy and excitement as he proudly zoomed down his road on his Garda bike, and wearing his new hat.
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“Issac had the run of the road, he thought it was all fantastic”, Ashley said.
“I’d like to thank all of the community gardai in Tallaght and nanna Marie, for organising it.”
She added: “Isaac is not able to speak, eat, drink but he can walk, run and drive his motor bike.
“He’s a complete medical mystery.
“The most difficult part of all of this, is not knowing [what condition Isaac has] but he’s a really happy, loving child and gets the best care from Crumlin hospital, Temple Street and Barretstown.”
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