Real-life garda in real trouble after appearing on Love/Hate
A drugs squad detective who played an undercover cop in the hit RTÉ crime drama Love/Hate is under fire because of his role in the show.
Full time member of the Garda National Drug Unit (GNDU) and part-time actor, Kieran O'Reilly (above right), was served disciplinary papers on Monday morning when he arrived for work, after appearing as an actor in Sunday night’s episode of Love/Hate.
The real-life drugs squad member played the role of undercover garda Ciaran Madden in the second episode of the new series. However, Officer O'Reilly’s stint on the small screen has landed him in trouble with senior gardaí.
According to the Irish Independent, Commissioner Martin Callinan ordered an internal disciplinary inquiry into the officer's involvement in the show.
However, acting is apparently NOT a ‘prohibited extra-curricular activity’ and reports say Officer O'Reilly was on official leave when filming took place earlier this year.
Love/Hate producers have stressed that the officer had no advisory role in any aspect of the show and he was simply there to read his lines. A superintendent has been appointed to conduct an internal investigation.
If you missed Sunday night's episode of Love/Hate make sure to check it out on the RTÉ Player.
