Derek Smart has been appointed as the Chief Superintendent of the Tipperary Garda Division.

A native of Limerick City, Derek served in Co Clare for three years based in both Ennis and Ennistymon as Superintendent. The Garda district expanded during his time in the county to take in all of East Clare.

He returned to Henry St Garda Station in February 2015 as part of widespread reshuffles announced by then Garda Commissioner, Noirín O’Sullivan. Smart joined An Garda Síochána in 1990 and was first assigned to Mountjoy then beginning his first stint at Henry St in 1994. Three years later he was given detective duties and moved to Mayorstone Park.

A 2004 promotion to Sergeant and subsequent move to Croom followed before returning to Mayorstone Park after two years. He spent two years in Tralee after being boosted to Inspector, once again a return to Limerick resulted in his stationing at Roxboro Rd.

As he continued to climb the ladder, Smart became a Superintendent starting at Clonakilty in 2012 and later that year relocated to Clare spending three years in the Banner County.

On Monday he started his new role as Chief Supt in Tipperary and he pointed out to The Clare Echo that he is going for his third crown having been a District Officer in Clare for their 2013 All-Ireland hurling success, Limerick last year and could be preparing to assist with another homecoming should Liam Sheedy’s charges overcome Brian Cody’s Kilkenny in August.

Related News

banner plaza 07-11-25 external 1
'It took a while but everything is worth waiting for' - Supermac's open Banner Plaza
20220718_Council_Lahinch_Leisure_Opening_0014-2 tony o'brien
Frustration reaches fever pitch for ex Mayor O'Brien on failure to provide safe facilities on Clare roads
Screenshot 2025-11-07 101550
Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club raises over €6,300 for Breast Cancer Ireland
MHP Sellors LLP win National Law Firm of the Year 2025 at the Irish Law Awards
‘People should shop around for the right solicitor’ - MHP Sellors boss Stephen Keogh
Latest News
Screenshot 2025-11-07 101550
Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club raises over €6,300 for Breast Cancer Ireland
MHP Sellors LLP win National Law Firm of the Year 2025 at the Irish Law Awards
‘People should shop around for the right solicitor’ - MHP Sellors boss Stephen Keogh
o'connell square street public realm works 23-09-25 1
Pain of Ennis public realm works will be 'worth the inconvenience'
st flannans college v cashel community school 05-11-25 darragh mcnamara 2
St Flannan's & St Joseph's Tulla prevail in second round of Harty Cup
bridge utd v avenue utd 19-10-25 filip mostowy darragh whyte 1
Home comforts await Clare clubs in fourth round of Munster Junior Cup
Premium
Former newspaper editor, GAA development manager & sports officer on Clare GAA Head of Operations shortlist
Appeals lodged over plans for housing on Shannon Shamrock site in Bunratty
Fiery Fianna Fáil AGM could be on the cards as members left 'hurt' over Presidential election
Search for Considine's successor as CEO underway but no imminent appointment announcement
Scariff's Anthony among contenders for powerful European Commission job

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.