Former Garda commissioner Larry Wren dies aged 93

Former Garda commissioner Larry Wren has died aged 93.

Originally from Co Limerick, Mr Wren led the Garda for almost five years, being appointed to the most senior post in the force in February 1983 and retiring in November 1987.

He was involved in the investigation into the 1974 bombings in Dublin and also headed the inquiry into the tapping of journalists' phones, while Charles Haughey was taoiseach, in the early 1980s.

Born in Abbeyfeale in 1922, Mr Wren entered the Garda College, Templemore, Co Tipperary in 1943.

After 11 years as a rank-and-file garda he was promoted to sergeant in 1954 and made inspector in 1960.

He rose through the ranks to deputy commissioner by 1978 before being promoted to the top policing job in the Republic.

He took a special interest in drink-driving cases, establishing the first oversight mechanisms in the force in a bid to ensure those suspects facing charges of drink-driving did not escape by lobbying Garda members to discontinue cases.

He lived in Castleknock, Dublin, with his wife Maureen. The couple have two daughters.