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.