Winter 2008 THE OFFICIAL

THEGA MAGAZINEOF THE GARDA RD SÍOCHÁNA GA HIST ZE ORICAL www .policehistory TT A SOCIETY E .com Membership Dear Friends and Colleagues, Full Membership is available for those who elcome to the re-launched Garda Gazette. I wish to welcome you back The investigation may be in a position to avail of our annual to the Historical Society and to invite you to attend our lectures and to list of events and attend the Annual visit our Garda Museum in Castle. Our website General Meeting with entitlement to vote. Wwww.policehistory.com is an excellent resource and one that is Associate Membership is available for constantly updated and improved. Please feel free to contribute to the Garda of an office above persons not in category (a) - many of Historical Society and to contribute your stories, letters and photographs to our Garda whom reside outside - is offered Gazette. with an entitlement to receive the twice yearly newsletter and events programme. As you already know the Garda Síochána Historical Society was re-launched last suspicion? All applications for membership must be October at the Bedford Tower in . It was a welcome return for a much- proposed and seconded by an existing loved society which has so much to offer not only our members but the organisation THE THEFT OF THE IRISH CROWN JEWELS member. Written applications will be dealt as a whole. It is with some regret that I say that we are losing so much of our written with by the committee. All who are history with the advance of technology. Our records are more often electronic and interested in membership of the Society what a shame it is not to see our station diaries filled with the wonderful handwriting should contact the Secretary, Garda that we all knew as young recruits. The Garda Síochána Historical Society aims to Síochána Historical Society, The Garda capture that history and to make it available to all. Museum/Archives, Records Tower, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 666 9998. An Garda Síochána has a proud history in which we all share. In many ways the history of policing in Ireland is a record of social history. Since our foundation we have always depended on our close bond with the community we serve and it is in this bond that This year we will hold at least four we have placed the value of our history. We have experienced the best of times and lectures on topics such as ʻThe Phoenix the worst of times, we have seen the proudest times and the troubled times. But Park Murdersʼ and ʻBritish Intelligence through it all An Garda Síochána and others have been relied upon to meet the Operations in Ireland in the War Yearsʼ. challenges of every generation. We have some noted academics and journalists giving lectures and we also The events highlighted by the Garda Historical Society capture those moments in time. have a number of members who are From the exploits of the Royal Irish Constabulary to the Dublin Metropolitan Police and noted authors and academics in their An Garda Síochána evolving from the community. own right; Garda Jim Herlihy, Blarney Garda Station, has published a number It is in this tradition that we acknowledge our former Commissioner Mr. Noel Conroy. of books on the DMP and the RIC. Commissioner Conroy was one of the last recruits to have trained at the Garda Depot in the Phoenix Park. With his retirement passed a link that we all shared between that Our membership fee is €12.70 per era and ours. annum and offers members great value in terms of the service provided. We not We also welcome our new and Honorary President, Mr. Fachtna only provide lecture evenings but we Murphy. We look forward to a busy and successful Garda Síochána Historical Society By Myles Dungan also assist in research projects, not with Commissioner Murphy at the helm and no doubt the support and patronage of all least in terms of career details of past our members. Garda, DMP and RIC members. Order in 1830 by King William IV – as it an unclaimed coup hence the description ‘crown’ jewels. Chief Superintendent John Kelly by an Irish revolutionary On the basis of gem inflation they Honorary Chairperson organisation? Or the work would be worth close to €5m today. Wof experienced jewel They were stored in a safe in the thieves attracted by the opportunities Library of the Office of Arms. The presented by a royal visit? Or was it safe should have been in the Strong Garda Síochána Historical Society Committee one of the most egregious inside jobs room of the Office but a precursor of members for 2008 in Irish criminal history. Before you go Murphy’s Law ensured that when it any further down this page it is Hon. President Fachtna Murphy Commissioner The Society re-launched last important to note (to avoid Chairperson John Kelly C/Supt October 25th at Dublin Castle and disappointment) that we do not know “He could have put it more membership has been steadily Vice-chair Pat Doocie retired the answer and probably never will. increasing. We offer membership to Treasurer Mick Barrins retired The Irish Crown Jewels were the concisely – ‘Inside job’!” both serving and retired gardaí. Hon. Secretary Paul Maher Sgt regalia of the Order of St Patrick, kept Assistant Secretary John Duffy retired in the Office of Arms in the Bedford came to be installed it proved to be ill fitted to being custodian, as it Our lecture evenings are held in the Ex-Officio Pat McGee Inspector: Museum Tower in Dublin Castle. The jewels too big to get through the strong transpired, of such significant and room door. Garda Club Harrington Street and Membership Officer Alan Bailey D/Sgt consisted of the insignia of the Grand valuable jewels. His two principal Master of the Order of St Patrick (the The Office of Arms itself was the other appropriate venues. Southern Region Jim Herlihy Gda: Blarney (unpaid) associates included Francis Lord Lieutenant) – a jeweled Star and personal fiefdom of Sir Arthur Vicars, Forthcoming events will be Garda College John Reynold Sgt Richard Shackleton, Dublin Herald, Badge – (Brazilian white diamonds King of Arm (equivalent of the brother of the explorer Ernest, a announced in the Garda Review Committee Member Tony Hickey retired and emeralds - and the collars and Chief Herald today) He was a fussy, young Anglo-Irishman with a militia and on www.policehistory.com Webmaster Jim Croarke Sgt: Anglesea St. badges of the Knights of St Patrick. prissy, aristocrat immersed in the background. For Shackleton heraldry They had been presented to the minutiae of genealogy and heraldry – 2 3 Membership Dear Friends and Colleagues, Full Membership is available for those who elcome to the re-launched Garda Gazette. I wish to welcome you back The investigation may be in a position to avail of our annual to the Historical Society and to invite you to attend our lectures and to list of events and attend the Annual visit our Garda Museum in Dublin Castle. Our website General Meeting with entitlement to vote. Wwww.policehistory.com is an excellent resource and one that is Associate Membership is available for constantly updated and improved. Please feel free to contribute to the Garda of an office above persons not in category (a) - many of Historical Society and to contribute your stories, letters and photographs to our Garda whom reside outside Ireland - is offered Gazette. with an entitlement to receive the twice yearly newsletter and events programme. As you already know the Garda Síochána Historical Society was re-launched last suspicion? All applications for membership must be October at the Bedford Tower in Dublin Castle. It was a welcome return for a much- proposed and seconded by an existing loved society which has so much to offer not only our members but the organisation THE THEFT OF THE IRISH CROWN JEWELS member. Written applications will be dealt as a whole. It is with some regret that I say that we are losing so much of our written with by the committee. All who are history with the advance of technology. Our records are more often electronic and interested in membership of the Society what a shame it is not to see our station diaries filled with the wonderful handwriting should contact the Secretary, Garda that we all knew as young recruits. The Garda Síochána Historical Society aims to Síochána Historical Society, The Garda capture that history and to make it available to all. Museum/Archives, Records Tower, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 666 9998. An Garda Síochána has a proud history in which we all share. In many ways the history of policing in Ireland is a record of social history. Since our foundation we have always depended on our close bond with the community we serve and it is in this bond that This year we will hold at least four we have placed the value of our history. We have experienced the best of times and lectures on topics such as ʻThe Phoenix the worst of times, we have seen the proudest times and the troubled times. But Park Murdersʼ and ʻBritish Intelligence through it all An Garda Síochána and others have been relied upon to meet the Operations in Ireland in the War Yearsʼ. challenges of every generation. We have some noted academics and journalists giving lectures and we also The events highlighted by the Garda Historical Society capture those moments in time. have a number of members who are From the exploits of the Royal Irish Constabulary to the Dublin Metropolitan Police and noted authors and academics in their An Garda Síochána evolving from the community. own right; Garda Jim Herlihy, Blarney Garda Station, has published a number It is in this tradition that we acknowledge our former Commissioner Mr. Noel Conroy. of books on the DMP and the RIC. Commissioner Conroy was one of the last recruits to have trained at the Garda Depot in the Phoenix Park. With his retirement passed a link that we all shared between that Our membership fee is €12.70 per era and ours. annum and offers members great value in terms of the service provided. We not We also welcome our new Garda Commissioner and Honorary President, Mr. Fachtna only provide lecture evenings but we Murphy. We look forward to a busy and successful Garda Síochána Historical Society By Myles Dungan also assist in research projects, not with Commissioner Murphy at the helm and no doubt the support and patronage of all least in terms of career details of past our members. Garda, DMP and RIC members. Order in 1830 by King William IV – as it an unclaimed coup hence the description ‘crown’ jewels. Chief Superintendent John Kelly by an Irish revolutionary On the basis of gem inflation they Honorary Chairperson organisation? Or the work would be worth close to €5m today. Wof experienced jewel They were stored in a safe in the thieves attracted by the opportunities Library of the Office of Arms. The presented by a royal visit? Or was it safe should have been in the Strong Garda Síochána Historical Society Committee one of the most egregious inside jobs room of the Office but a precursor of members for 2008 in Irish criminal history. Before you go Murphy’s Law ensured that when it any further down this page it is Hon. President Fachtna Murphy Commissioner The Society re-launched last important to note (to avoid Chairperson John Kelly C/Supt October 25th at Dublin Castle and disappointment) that we do not know “He could have put it more membership has been steadily Vice-chair Pat Doocie retired the answer and probably never will. increasing. We offer membership to Treasurer Mick Barrins retired The Irish Crown Jewels were the concisely – ‘Inside job’!” both serving and retired gardaí. Hon. Secretary Paul Maher Sgt regalia of the Order of St Patrick, kept Assistant Secretary John Duffy retired in the Office of Arms in the Bedford came to be installed it proved to be ill fitted to being custodian, as it Our lecture evenings are held in the Ex-Officio Pat McGee Inspector: Museum Tower in Dublin Castle. The jewels too big to get through the strong transpired, of such significant and room door. Garda Club Harrington Street and Membership Officer Alan Bailey D/Sgt consisted of the insignia of the Grand valuable jewels. His two principal Master of the Order of St Patrick (the The Office of Arms itself was the other appropriate venues. Southern Region Jim Herlihy Gda: Blarney (unpaid) associates included Francis Lord Lieutenant) – a jeweled Star and personal fiefdom of Sir Arthur Vicars, Forthcoming events will be Garda College John Reynold Sgt Richard Shackleton, Dublin Herald, Badge – (Brazilian white diamonds Ulster King of Arm (equivalent of the brother of the explorer Ernest, a announced in the Garda Review Committee Member Tony Hickey retired and emeralds - and the collars and Chief Herald today) He was a fussy, young Anglo-Irishman with a militia and on www.policehistory.com Webmaster Jim Croarke Sgt: Anglesea St. badges of the Knights of St Patrick. prissy, aristocrat immersed in the background. For Shackleton heraldry They had been presented to the minutiae of genealogy and heraldry – 2 3 effect, as felony tourists and b) misleading the investigating detective, A brief history of the Garda Superintendent John Lowe, when he asked had the strong room door been tampered with. Vicars replied ‘No’ – even though he’d been told a few College By Sergeant John Reynolds hours before that it had been left open overnight. (This information came to the police via Mrs. Farrell, who emerges, all the way through the story as one of the heroes of the The Victorian era stories high.’ The town itself he 1915, Richmond became a prisoner hour) The Garda Síochána College was described as ‘a wretched of war camp, holding over 2,300 The thief had clearly taken his time. originally constructed as Richmond place…there is only one street with German soldiers who had been A piece of silk ribbon attached to the barracks in 1815 on a fifty-seven three or four respectable shops’. captured on the western front. The Star had been removed and left in the acre site owned by Sir John Craven (Loft, 2003). The presence of a two barrack squares were divided safe, an operation which would have Carden (1757-1820) and when barracks in Templemore also into four huge cages, complete with taken about ten minutes. completed was one of the largest provided the opportunity for local searchlights, barbed wire and sentry Over the days that followed the barracks in Ireland with men to enlist, as Richmond was towers. Two of the POW’s died in discovery of the theft the accommodation for ‘54 officers, primarily a recruit-training depot, captivity and were buried with full manufacturers of the safe (it was a 1500 men and 30 horses, a hospital where regiments were stationed for a military honours in Templemore. ‘Ratner’ manufactured by Radcliffe for 80 patients; a bridewell; a fever period of time to recruit, train and and Horner with a Milner lock) were hospital and a dispensary, ball, news then depart on campaign throughout German Prisoners of War in queried as to how it could have been and reading rooms, and a public the British Empire. Irishmen were opened and Dublin locksmiths were billiard table’. (Lewis, 1837) considered good recruits, being interrogated as to duplicate keys. described by one military Surgeon as The safe was found not to have ‘physically and morally the best been forced and no duplicate keys adapted for service’, and they signed made from a wax impression had up in large numbers to accept the been used. This emerged through ‘Queens shilling’ as shown in Table 1 expert evidence at the subsequent below. (Bartlett and Jeffrey, 1996) Commission of Inquiry in January, 2008. It was accepted, however, that Irishmen in the British army the safe could have been opened with was a hobby which verged on being a Later that day a messenger arrived a duplicate key made directly from 1914. profession. He was also a from West and Son with a gold collar the original. This suggested to the Year %Year % of the Order which had been worn by When the prisoners were transferred businessman and well connected in DMP that the thieves had assistance 1830 42.2% 1878 21.9% the City of London. He shared the late Lord de Ros. It was needed from within the Office of Arms. The to a new camp in England, Richmond accommodation with Vicars in for the investiture of a new Knight in a discoveries of Mrs Farrell were judged 1840 37.2% 1883 20.0% became a training depot for recruits Clonskeagh. Pierce Gun Mahony, ceremony that would coincide with by the detectives as attempts to draw to the Munster Fusiliers and the 1868 30.8% 1893 13.4% Cork Herald, was a nephew of Vicars the royal visit of King Edward VII. attention to the theft in order to justify Richmond barracks, Templemore Regiment. In 1916, soldiers of the were dispatched and an anglicized member of another Vicars asked Stivey to put the collar an alibi whose time was about to run 1829. 1873 23.7% 1898 12.9% well known Irish family. Vicars had out. An intensive programme of barrack from Templemore to reinforce the fallen out with his half brother the On 9th July Superintendent Lowe building took place in Ireland Dublin garrison during the Easter 1830–1898 rising. former Parnellite M.P. Pierce “This, according to the submitted a report on his following the unsuccessful rebellions O’Mahony when Pierce Gun Mahony investigation to the Lord Lieutenant in of 1798 and 1803. Aside from the During the late 1850’s when the had accepted the honorary position in messenger, was which he said ‘it appears improbable fear of further uprisings taking place Fenian movement was being The Anglo-Irish War & Civil War the Office of Arms. unprecedented. Stivey that any outside person who knew in Ireland, England was at war with structured, a large number of Irish The outbreak of the Anglo-Irish war On 11 June 1907, Vicars showed France, and the threat of invasion soldiers were ‘sworn in’ as members is conventionally dated from 21 the Crown Jewels to J.C. Hodgson, discovered the safe was from Napoleon’s army was a of the movement. In Templemore, the January 1919 when a group of nine Librarian to the Duke of unlocked. The jewels and a possibility, given that French fleets 11th Depot Battalion was transferred I.R.A Volunteers including Dan Breen Northumberland at Alnwick Castle, had arrived at Bantry Bay in 1786 from Templemore to Enniskillen and and Sean Treacy of the 3rd Tipperary who was on a visit to Ireland. This number of collars were found and Kilalla Bay in 1798. Several replaced by the 59th Regiment from Brigade attacked a Royal Irish was the last time that they were seen to be missing” barracks were constructed in the Glasgow as it was ‘strongly Constabulary (R.I.C) gelignite escort in public. On Wednesday 3 July, the county of Tipperary, which had a suspected that the regiment was at Solohedbeg near Tipperary town. cleaning lady, Mrs. Mary Farrell, long tradition of rebellion and tainted with Fenianism’. (Nenagh In the mêlée that followed, R.I.C found the front door of the Bedford in the safe and gave him his own keys lawlessness. Robert Peel, chief Guardian newspaper, 12 December Constables James McDonnell 50616, Tower unlocked when she arrived for to open the safe door. This, according secretary for Ireland, when writing to 1865) and Patrick O’ Connell 61889 were work. She reported this to William to the messenger, was Whitworth, the lord lieutenant in killed. Stivey, the office messenger and he, unprecedented. Stivey discovered the 1813 commented that ‘you can have World War 1 Following the outbreak of the in his turn, reported it to Vicars, who safe was unlocked. The jewels and a no idea of the moral depravation of By 1909 Richmond barracks had Anglo-Irish war, Templemore rapidly evinced little interest in the matter. number of collars were found to be the lower orders in that county been vacated, and Templemore town became heavily militarised, with the On Saturday 6 July, Mrs Farrell missing. [Tipperary]. (Gash, 1976) council were informed by the War 1st Battalion of the found the door of the strong-room Vicars did not assist the early In 1847, Ensign Harry Loft of the Office that there was ‘no prospect of Northamptonshire Regiment open when she arrived for work. She moments of the police investigation 64th Regiment was garrisoned in troops being quartered there in the garrisoned at Richmond barracks, a locked the door and left the keys and by a) first sending, not for a detective, Templemore, and while writing to his near future’. However, the outbreak contingent of R.I.C Black & Tans a note for Stivey. Once again he but for the DMP Commissioner and mother described Richmond as a of World War 1 in August 1914 based in the Police barracks, and ‘B’ informed Vicars, who, once again, his Deputy, Sir John Ross and M.V. ‘splendid barracks, with two large brought a reversal of this policy, and company of the R.I.C Auxiliary ignored him. Harrell –both of whom operated, in squares, and all the buildings three between October 1914 and March Division (A.D.R.I.C) situated in the 4 6 effect, as felony tourists and b) misleading the investigating detective, A brief history of the Garda Superintendent John Lowe, when he asked had the strong room door been tampered with. Vicars replied ‘No’ – even though he’d been told a few College By Sergeant John Reynolds hours before that it had been left open overnight. (This information came to the police via Mrs. Farrell, who emerges, all the way through the story as one of the heroes of the The Victorian era stories high.’ The town itself he 1915, Richmond became a prisoner hour) The Garda Síochána College was described as ‘a wretched of war camp, holding over 2,300 The thief had clearly taken his time. originally constructed as Richmond place…there is only one street with German soldiers who had been A piece of silk ribbon attached to the barracks in 1815 on a fifty-seven three or four respectable shops’. captured on the western front. The Star had been removed and left in the acre site owned by Sir John Craven (Loft, 2003). The presence of a two barrack squares were divided safe, an operation which would have Carden (1757-1820) and when barracks in Templemore also into four huge cages, complete with taken about ten minutes. completed was one of the largest provided the opportunity for local searchlights, barbed wire and sentry Over the days that followed the barracks in Ireland with men to enlist, as Richmond was towers. Two of the POW’s died in discovery of the theft the accommodation for ‘54 officers, primarily a recruit-training depot, captivity and were buried with full manufacturers of the safe (it was a 1500 men and 30 horses, a hospital where regiments were stationed for a military honours in Templemore. ‘Ratner’ manufactured by Radcliffe for 80 patients; a bridewell; a fever period of time to recruit, train and and Horner with a Milner lock) were hospital and a dispensary, ball, news then depart on campaign throughout German Prisoners of War in queried as to how it could have been and reading rooms, and a public the British Empire. Irishmen were opened and Dublin locksmiths were billiard table’. (Lewis, 1837) considered good recruits, being interrogated as to duplicate keys. described by one military Surgeon as The safe was found not to have ‘physically and morally the best been forced and no duplicate keys adapted for service’, and they signed made from a wax impression had up in large numbers to accept the been used. This emerged through ‘Queens shilling’ as shown in Table 1 expert evidence at the subsequent below. (Bartlett and Jeffrey, 1996) Commission of Inquiry in January, 2008. It was accepted, however, that Irishmen in the British army the safe could have been opened with was a hobby which verged on being a Later that day a messenger arrived a duplicate key made directly from Richmond Barracks 1914. profession. He was also a from West and Son with a gold collar the original. This suggested to the Year %Year % of the Order which had been worn by When the prisoners were transferred businessman and well connected in DMP that the thieves had assistance 1830 42.2% 1878 21.9% the City of London. He shared the late Lord de Ros. It was needed from within the Office of Arms. The to a new camp in England, Richmond accommodation with Vicars in for the investiture of a new Knight in a discoveries of Mrs Farrell were judged 1840 37.2% 1883 20.0% became a training depot for recruits Clonskeagh. Pierce Gun Mahony, ceremony that would coincide with by the detectives as attempts to draw to the Munster Fusiliers and the 1868 30.8% 1893 13.4% Cork Herald, was a nephew of Vicars the royal visit of King Edward VII. attention to the theft in order to justify Richmond barracks, Templemore Leinster Regiment. In 1916, soldiers of the Leinsters were dispatched and an anglicized member of another Vicars asked Stivey to put the collar an alibi whose time was about to run 1829. 1873 23.7% 1898 12.9% well known Irish family. Vicars had out. An intensive programme of barrack from Templemore to reinforce the fallen out with his half brother the On 9th July Superintendent Lowe building took place in Ireland Dublin garrison during the Easter 1830–1898 rising. former Parnellite M.P. Pierce “This, according to the submitted a report on his following the unsuccessful rebellions O’Mahony when Pierce Gun Mahony investigation to the Lord Lieutenant in of 1798 and 1803. Aside from the During the late 1850’s when the had accepted the honorary position in messenger, was which he said ‘it appears improbable fear of further uprisings taking place Fenian movement was being The Anglo-Irish War & Civil War the Office of Arms. unprecedented. Stivey that any outside person who knew in Ireland, England was at war with structured, a large number of Irish The outbreak of the Anglo-Irish war On 11 June 1907, Vicars showed France, and the threat of invasion soldiers were ‘sworn in’ as members is conventionally dated from 21 the Crown Jewels to J.C. Hodgson, discovered the safe was from Napoleon’s army was a of the movement. In Templemore, the January 1919 when a group of nine Librarian to the Duke of unlocked. The jewels and a possibility, given that French fleets 11th Depot Battalion was transferred I.R.A Volunteers including Dan Breen Northumberland at Alnwick Castle, had arrived at Bantry Bay in 1786 from Templemore to Enniskillen and and Sean Treacy of the 3rd Tipperary who was on a visit to Ireland. This number of collars were found and Kilalla Bay in 1798. Several replaced by the 59th Regiment from Brigade attacked a Royal Irish was the last time that they were seen to be missing” barracks were constructed in the Glasgow as it was ‘strongly Constabulary (R.I.C) gelignite escort in public. On Wednesday 3 July, the county of Tipperary, which had a suspected that the regiment was at Solohedbeg near Tipperary town. cleaning lady, Mrs. Mary Farrell, long tradition of rebellion and tainted with Fenianism’. (Nenagh In the mêlée that followed, R.I.C found the front door of the Bedford in the safe and gave him his own keys lawlessness. Robert Peel, chief Guardian newspaper, 12 December Constables James McDonnell 50616, Tower unlocked when she arrived for to open the safe door. This, according secretary for Ireland, when writing to 1865) and Patrick O’ Connell 61889 were work. She reported this to William to the messenger, was Whitworth, the lord lieutenant in killed. Stivey, the office messenger and he, unprecedented. Stivey discovered the 1813 commented that ‘you can have World War 1 Following the outbreak of the in his turn, reported it to Vicars, who safe was unlocked. The jewels and a no idea of the moral depravation of By 1909 Richmond barracks had Anglo-Irish war, Templemore rapidly evinced little interest in the matter. number of collars were found to be the lower orders in that county been vacated, and Templemore town became heavily militarised, with the On Saturday 6 July, Mrs Farrell missing. [Tipperary]. (Gash, 1976) council were informed by the War 1st Battalion of the found the door of the strong-room Vicars did not assist the early In 1847, Ensign Harry Loft of the Office that there was ‘no prospect of Northamptonshire Regiment open when she arrived for work. She moments of the police investigation 64th Regiment was garrisoned in troops being quartered there in the garrisoned at Richmond barracks, a locked the door and left the keys and by a) first sending, not for a detective, Templemore, and while writing to his near future’. However, the outbreak contingent of R.I.C Black & Tans a note for Stivey. Once again he but for the DMP Commissioner and mother described Richmond as a of World War 1 in August 1914 based in the Police barracks, and ‘B’ informed Vicars, who, once again, his Deputy, Sir John Ross and M.V. ‘splendid barracks, with two large brought a reversal of this policy, and company of the R.I.C Auxiliary ignored him. Harrell –both of whom operated, in squares, and all the buildings three between October 1914 and March Division (A.D.R.I.C) situated in the 4 6 vacated mansion of Sir John Carden houses and across fields’. Phoenix Park Depot, which had been at Templemore Abbey. The Black and Rumours spread that Templemore used for training recruits since 1842, Tans and Auxiliaries were ex- would be burned to the ground as a and marched to Heuston railway servicemen that had been recruited in reprisal for the Kiloskehan ambush Station and boarded a train called the LUGS - The Life and England early in 1920 to augment the and pilgrims, stall-holders and tramps ‘Templemore Special’. On 21 regular R.I.C as the R.I.C were ‘now all made a hasty exit. Within twenty- February, the G.T.C was officially useless as a civil police force’. four hours normal conditions prevailed opened by Mr. Charles J. Haughey, (Hansard, 1920) The Black and in the town once more. the Minister for Justice, and Times of Garda Jim Auxiliaries soon established a On the 11th July 1921 a truce Commissioner Dan Costigan. reputation for brutality, being between the Irish Provisional An enormous tragedy for An Garda described by the former Irish Member Government and the British Síochána and the G.T.C occurred on of Parliament William O’ Brien as Government was arranged, and in 16 December 1983 23-year old recruit Branigan By Bernard Neary ‘desperadoes of the vilest type.’(Holt, November Richmond Barracks was Garda Gary Sheehan, and Private 1960) handed over at a ceremony in the Patrick Kelly of the Defence Forces On two occasions the military and Barracks. Major Phibbs Officer were killed while on duty at Number 8005 - and began a career Black and Tans carried out reprisal Commanding the 1st Battalion, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim while Bernard Neary and which was to put him in the attacks in Templemore, once for the Northamptonshire Regiment signed searching for Mr. Don Tidey, who had Chief Superintendent limelight both nationally and John Kelly killing of R.I.C District Inspector for the British, and Commandant been kidnapped by the I.R.A. A internationally and see him become Wilson by the I.R.A, following which Sean Scott O/C 2nd Battalion (mid.) memorial plaque to R/Garda Sheehan a legend in his own lifetime. When the town hall was burnt down. Two Tipperary Brigade I.R.A represented is situated at the College Guardroom, he entered the Depot, which was members of the Northamptonshire the new Irish Government. The and on graduation days, the Gary the training centre for Gardaí until Regiment were killed during this Regimental diary of the Sheehan Memorial Medal is awarded the establishment of the Garda incident when they became trapped Northamptonshire Regiment to the best all-round probationer. College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, inside the town hall. Following this sarcastically noted that ‘the Barracks In April 1989, following a major in 1956, he had never seen a boxing incident, reports of ‘supernatural was handed over to a motley force examination of training methods for glove, let alone hear about the manifestations, accompanied by calling themselves the Irish Army’. An Garda Síochána, a new two-year famous GBC. In those days the cures’ occurring in Templemore and Richmond was renamed McCan Student/Probationer Training young recruit had to do an hour of nearby Curraheen were carried by Barracks to commemorate the first Programme was introduced A major boxing and an hour of physical local and national newspapers. (Irish Member of Parliament for Mid- building programme saw the facilities training a day. Jim put on the gloves Times, 23 August 1920) Tipperary, Pierce McCan, who died in developed and modernized to the and got into the ring "to practise It was alleged that religious statues Gloucester prison in 1919. most up to date standards in Europe how to defend myself". were shedding tears of blood, and a During the Civil War which began on and the name of the institution local youth, James Walsh claimed that 28 June 1922, the situation in changed from the Garda Training The Boxer he was receiving visitations from the Templemore was very tense, with anti Centre to the Garda College. In 1992 During this time Jim was taking his Virgin Mary. Many people believed treaty I.R.A members knows as the Garda College was designated an boxing seriously and trained every that ‘our Lady saved Templemore’, ‘irregulars’ occupying McCan Institute of Higher Education by the day to maintain peak fitness: and that divine intervention had taken Barracks. Preparations were made by National Council for Education "Besides training in the gym, I Edited extracts from a presentation place to prevent the town being the national army to storm the Awards (NCEA). In 1993 the two-year would get up at 5am every morning. to THE GARDA SIOCHANA completely destroyed in revenge for barracks, but a truce was arranged by Student/Probationer programme was Jim earned a name for himself HISTORICAL SOCIETY on Friday, the death of D.I Wilson, as the the Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, Dr. accredited by the N.C.E.A. with the during the halcyon years of the Jim ʻLugsʼ 11th April 2008 at the Garda Club, ‘military swore to sack the town and Harty, which allowed the barracks to award of a National Diploma in Police Branigan GBC, although he did not rise to the Harrington Street Dublin 2 make the Catholics pay for it’ be vacated by the irregulars, and the Studies. A more recent development dizzy heights of some of his other Even today, more than twenty years (Limerick Leader, 3 September 1920) National Army took over. was the introduction of a BA colleagues. As he often said after his death, thousands of Thousands of pilgrims travelled to When World War II began in 1939, a (Bachelor of Arts) in Police himself "I lost more fights than I Dubliners recall Jim Branigan and the area each day to view the state of emergency was declared in Management Degree for members of won" and the extract of his career his style of policing and it is very ‘bleeding statues’, and the Ireland, which remained neutral. Inspector rank upwards. from the records of the IABA common to hear people say "if only phenomenon of the ‘Templemore McCann Barracks was occupied by The Garda College Museum was elsewhere in this book bears this we had a few like him around now". miracles’ lasted for three weeks until the 10th Uisneach Battalion, and until opened in 2002 and has a large out. Over his whole boxing career If only. Recently a group of the visionary James Walsh was the war ended in 1945 a large collection of memorabilia from Ireland he won approximately half of all his solicitors were talking about Lugs in interviewed by senior I.R.A member garrison was stationed in and around the world. Since opening, contests. He was never knocked out Court No 4, Chancery Street, during Dan Breen on the instructions of Templemore. A commemorative the Museum has proven to be a very in any of his bouts and he never a recess. All agreed that if he was Michael Collins. The I.RA decided that plaque is located at the College popular addition to College facilities, knocked out any of his opponents around now some criminal or other the apparitions were not genuine, and Driving School remembering the and a planned expansion will deal and fought at cruiser-weight for would have put a bullet in him a the Catholic Church also expressed soldiers who served in Templemore with the Military history of the nearly two-thirds of his career, and long time ago. But the Court ‘extreme reserve’ about the cures and during the emergency period. complex from 1815 to 1921. from August 1936 until 1939 he Registrar disagreed, saying that the miracles attributed to them. (Irish McCann Barracks was vacated The Garda College has a long and contested in the heavyweight and bold Lugs, if he were on the beat Times, 23 August 1920). The except for F.C.A camps during the fascinating history since being built in light-heavyweight classes. His first today, would still be in court every Templemore miracles finally ended 1950’s, and when the F.C.A was 1815. It has been centrally involved in major contest in the heavyweight day - but it would not be the when the I.R.A ambushed and killed integrated with the regular Army, it Rebellions, the Anglo-Irish war, the class was a most successful one custody courts but the court across two R.I.C members at Kiloskehan became the Headquarters of the 3rd Civil War, the foundation of a new and brought him the Leinster the road, meaning the High Court. near Barnane on 29 September 1920. Field Artillery Regiment. State, and more recently, has found a Heavyweight title. He would be so tied up in litigation Pilgrims were forced to take the new lease of life as a world leading for ill-treatment, slander, bodies of the dead policemen back to Garda Training Centre Police Training facility and vibrant First Posting deprivation of rights that he would Templemore in their car. This ambush In 1964 it was decided to move third level institution. As a recruit he was posted to be tied up in civil actions for the brought large number of military and recruit training from the Depot to As it approaches its 200th Irishtown, an assignment that did rest of his career. police reinforcements to the area who McCan Barracks, which became the anniversary, the Garda College is not agree with him and he was to On 18th June 1931 Jim Branigan indulged in a ‘reign of terror by Garda Training Centre (G.T.C) On 14 rapidly expanding to meet the needs remain there for only three months. joined the Garda Síochána - indulging in indiscriminate firing into February, recruits and staff left the of gardaí, and continues to play a He did not get on too well with a 7 8 vacated mansion of Sir John Carden houses and across fields’. Phoenix Park Depot, which had been at Templemore Abbey. The Black and Rumours spread that Templemore used for training recruits since 1842, Tans and Auxiliaries were ex- would be burned to the ground as a and marched to Heuston railway servicemen that had been recruited in reprisal for the Kiloskehan ambush Station and boarded a train called the LUGS - The Life and England early in 1920 to augment the and pilgrims, stall-holders and tramps ‘Templemore Special’. On 21 regular R.I.C as the R.I.C were ‘now all made a hasty exit. Within twenty- February, the G.T.C was officially useless as a civil police force’. four hours normal conditions prevailed opened by Mr. Charles J. Haughey, (Hansard, 1920) The Black and in the town once more. the Minister for Justice, and Times of Garda Jim Auxiliaries soon established a On the 11th July 1921 a truce Commissioner Dan Costigan. reputation for brutality, being between the Irish Provisional An enormous tragedy for An Garda described by the former Irish Member Government and the British Síochána and the G.T.C occurred on of Parliament William O’ Brien as Government was arranged, and in 16 December 1983 23-year old recruit Branigan By Bernard Neary ‘desperadoes of the vilest type.’(Holt, November Richmond Barracks was Garda Gary Sheehan, and Private 1960) handed over at a ceremony in the Patrick Kelly of the Defence Forces On two occasions the military and Barracks. Major Phibbs Officer were killed while on duty at Number 8005 - and began a career Black and Tans carried out reprisal Commanding the 1st Battalion, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim while Bernard Neary and which was to put him in the attacks in Templemore, once for the Northamptonshire Regiment signed searching for Mr. Don Tidey, who had Chief Superintendent limelight both nationally and John Kelly killing of R.I.C District Inspector for the British, and Commandant been kidnapped by the I.R.A. A internationally and see him become Wilson by the I.R.A, following which Sean Scott O/C 2nd Battalion (mid.) memorial plaque to R/Garda Sheehan a legend in his own lifetime. When the town hall was burnt down. Two Tipperary Brigade I.R.A represented is situated at the College Guardroom, he entered the Depot, which was members of the Northamptonshire the new Irish Government. The and on graduation days, the Gary the training centre for Gardaí until Regiment were killed during this Regimental diary of the Sheehan Memorial Medal is awarded the establishment of the Garda incident when they became trapped Northamptonshire Regiment to the best all-round probationer. College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, inside the town hall. Following this sarcastically noted that ‘the Barracks In April 1989, following a major in 1956, he had never seen a boxing incident, reports of ‘supernatural was handed over to a motley force examination of training methods for glove, let alone hear about the manifestations, accompanied by calling themselves the Irish Army’. An Garda Síochána, a new two-year famous GBC. In those days the cures’ occurring in Templemore and Richmond was renamed McCan Student/Probationer Training young recruit had to do an hour of nearby Curraheen were carried by Barracks to commemorate the first Programme was introduced A major boxing and an hour of physical local and national newspapers. (Irish Member of Parliament for Mid- building programme saw the facilities training a day. Jim put on the gloves Times, 23 August 1920) Tipperary, Pierce McCan, who died in developed and modernized to the and got into the ring "to practise It was alleged that religious statues Gloucester prison in 1919. most up to date standards in Europe how to defend myself". were shedding tears of blood, and a During the Civil War which began on and the name of the institution local youth, James Walsh claimed that 28 June 1922, the situation in changed from the Garda Training The Boxer he was receiving visitations from the Templemore was very tense, with anti Centre to the Garda College. In 1992 During this time Jim was taking his Virgin Mary. Many people believed treaty I.R.A members knows as the Garda College was designated an boxing seriously and trained every that ‘our Lady saved Templemore’, ‘irregulars’ occupying McCan Institute of Higher Education by the day to maintain peak fitness: and that divine intervention had taken Barracks. Preparations were made by National Council for Education "Besides training in the gym, I Edited extracts from a presentation place to prevent the town being the national army to storm the Awards (NCEA). In 1993 the two-year would get up at 5am every morning. to THE GARDA SIOCHANA completely destroyed in revenge for barracks, but a truce was arranged by Student/Probationer programme was Jim earned a name for himself HISTORICAL SOCIETY on Friday, the death of D.I Wilson, as the the Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, Dr. accredited by the N.C.E.A. with the during the halcyon years of the Jim ʻLugsʼ 11th April 2008 at the Garda Club, ‘military swore to sack the town and Harty, which allowed the barracks to award of a National Diploma in Police Branigan GBC, although he did not rise to the Harrington Street Dublin 2 make the Catholics pay for it’ be vacated by the irregulars, and the Studies. A more recent development dizzy heights of some of his other Even today, more than twenty years (Limerick Leader, 3 September 1920) National Army took over. was the introduction of a BA colleagues. As he often said after his death, thousands of Thousands of pilgrims travelled to When World War II began in 1939, a (Bachelor of Arts) in Police himself "I lost more fights than I Dubliners recall Jim Branigan and the area each day to view the state of emergency was declared in Management Degree for members of won" and the extract of his career his style of policing and it is very ‘bleeding statues’, and the Ireland, which remained neutral. Inspector rank upwards. from the records of the IABA common to hear people say "if only phenomenon of the ‘Templemore McCann Barracks was occupied by The Garda College Museum was elsewhere in this book bears this we had a few like him around now". miracles’ lasted for three weeks until the 10th Uisneach Battalion, and until opened in 2002 and has a large out. Over his whole boxing career If only. Recently a group of the visionary James Walsh was the war ended in 1945 a large collection of memorabilia from Ireland he won approximately half of all his solicitors were talking about Lugs in interviewed by senior I.R.A member garrison was stationed in and around the world. Since opening, contests. He was never knocked out Court No 4, Chancery Street, during Dan Breen on the instructions of Templemore. A commemorative the Museum has proven to be a very in any of his bouts and he never a recess. All agreed that if he was Michael Collins. The I.RA decided that plaque is located at the College popular addition to College facilities, knocked out any of his opponents around now some criminal or other the apparitions were not genuine, and Driving School remembering the and a planned expansion will deal and fought at cruiser-weight for would have put a bullet in him a the Catholic Church also expressed soldiers who served in Templemore with the Military history of the nearly two-thirds of his career, and long time ago. But the Court ‘extreme reserve’ about the cures and during the emergency period. complex from 1815 to 1921. from August 1936 until 1939 he Registrar disagreed, saying that the miracles attributed to them. (Irish McCann Barracks was vacated The Garda College has a long and contested in the heavyweight and bold Lugs, if he were on the beat Times, 23 August 1920). The except for F.C.A camps during the fascinating history since being built in light-heavyweight classes. His first today, would still be in court every Templemore miracles finally ended 1950’s, and when the F.C.A was 1815. It has been centrally involved in major contest in the heavyweight day - but it would not be the when the I.R.A ambushed and killed integrated with the regular Army, it Rebellions, the Anglo-Irish war, the class was a most successful one custody courts but the court across two R.I.C members at Kiloskehan became the Headquarters of the 3rd Civil War, the foundation of a new and brought him the Leinster the road, meaning the High Court. near Barnane on 29 September 1920. Field Artillery Regiment. State, and more recently, has found a Heavyweight title. He would be so tied up in litigation Pilgrims were forced to take the new lease of life as a world leading for ill-treatment, slander, bodies of the dead policemen back to Garda Training Centre Police Training facility and vibrant First Posting deprivation of rights that he would Templemore in their car. This ambush In 1964 it was decided to move third level institution. As a recruit he was posted to be tied up in civil actions for the brought large number of military and recruit training from the Depot to As it approaches its 200th Irishtown, an assignment that did rest of his career. police reinforcements to the area who McCan Barracks, which became the anniversary, the Garda College is not agree with him and he was to On 18th June 1931 Jim Branigan indulged in a ‘reign of terror by Garda Training Centre (G.T.C) On 14 rapidly expanding to meet the needs remain there for only three months. joined the Garda Síochána - indulging in indiscriminate firing into February, recruits and staff left the of gardaí, and continues to play a He did not get on too well with a 7 8 particular sergeant there and he told before his Superintendent, on a a story about how on one occasion, charge of gossiping. Jim admitted the on a Saturday morning coming up to charge but refused to give the name Christmas 1935, he was on point duty of the person he was talking to until Garda memories from at the Haddington Road/Shepards he was formally charged in writing. Bush junction when he stopped a car When he left the Superintendent's in traffic to allow some pedestrians room, the Sergeant remarked that he cross the road. When he beckoned had 'got' him. Jim said nothing. But a the past the traffic to move, the first car couple of days later when Jim was on stopped in the middle of the junction parade, the Superintendent smiled at and the passenger asked Jim to go him - he had since discovered who By Inspector Pat McGee over to the curb side as he wanted a Jim was talking to - and why Jim was word with him. insisting on being charged in writing. It was Major General Murphy and "I'm sorry, Garda. If there is anything he wished to compliment Jim on his you want, I'll try and get it for you" traffic handling and to query an said the Superintendent. "A transfer, unusual feature on his face - a black sir" came the reply and shortly after eye. "You shouldn't be on duty with Christmas, in January 1936, he such an injury", remarked Jim's became Garda James C Branigan, boss. "It's okay, sir, it only looks a 160A Newmarket Garda Station. Jim little bad. I feel fine". "Did it happen said "goodbye and good riddance" to in the course of your duty, Garda?", Irishtown to begin a long and famous queried the General. "No, Sir". career first in the Garda A District “Then how did it happen, man?". "I first and then throughout the was in the ring last night in a contest metropolis. time - in a five-week period in early with an RUC Constable" remarked 1963 he had charged no less than Jim, waiting to be ticked off for The Battle of Baldoyle sixty thugs with possession of lethal turning out for duty with a horrible- The 'Battle of Baldoyle' as it was weapons. looking black eye. But to his surprise called, took place on May 14th 1940. Jim Branigan was not a rough the General engaged the bold Jim in It received massive media coverage Garda and never used his baton conversation about his boxing and a few months later, when the trial during his career. He did use his exploits while from the corner of his began, it displaced the Second World gloves - those famous black ones - eye he saw his Sergeant at the War in the National newspaper on occasion and also used his hand junction scribbling in his notebook. headlines and on the radio. Jim to give some trouble-shooter a few When the General terminated their Branigan played a crucial role in the clips. conversation and proceeded to drive infamous Battle and at the trial spent Promotion again came Jim's way away, Jim took a note of the car over four hours in the witness box, and in the beginning of December registration number and entered it in 1½ hours giving evidence and 2½ 1963 he was promoted to sergeant. his diary. hours under cross-examination. The following Monday when he Jim recalled the trial: “The amazing The Riot Squad reported for duty he was hauled aspect of the whole trial for me as a In August 1964, the Riot Squad was cop was that the most seriously set up to deal with violence in Dublin; injured man, who was called by the to be spearheaded by Jim Branigan, State as a witness, had to be treated a vote of confidence by the as hostile because he went back on a authorities in his ability to enforce Jim ʻLugsʼ statement which he had made to the Branigan law and order on the streets of the Gardaí while in hospital. This was my capital. first real experience of a Mafia Jim soon earned a reputation as cardinal rule of 'omertha' or silence, head of the Riot Squad and a which in gangster lingo means that colleague of his on that first team only death and trouble awaits the told how, at the end of August 1964, s An Garda Síochána now virtually at a standstill. Working long provided for a maximum establishment canary who sings. they were called to a Saturday night approaches the 86th hours with great urgency to make up for nationally of 7.646 men. Jim described thugs as gowgers. street battle. The battle was at its Anniversary of its foundation in lost time, the new Commissioner and his Candidates sat an examination in By this time the spelling of that word height when they arrived on the 1922 it is time for reflection upon small headquarters staff presented the arithmetic and dictation and in the ability had been refined to read 'gouger' by A scene. They heard a roar that "Lugs a number of issues that have helped to Department of Home affairs a tentative to write a ʻsensible letterʼ. OʼDuffy the media and had even been is here" and to their amazement saw contribute in establishing the Force as an establishment scheme providing for a welcomed a Home Affairs proposal to extended to cover the unruly female hardened criminals running into the integral part of this countryʼs history. Since complement of 5,520. By February, give responsibility for the entrance element in society when in February darkness, leaving the fighting to 1922 the vital role played by An Garda 1924, with the Force close to its examination to the Civil Service 1962 Jim referred to such ladies in another night. Síochána as an unarmed, disciplined and established strength, there were on file Commission. He criticised a standard court as being 'gougeressess'. Undoubtedly 1964 was a milestone completely legitimate defender of public 6,000 applications from hopeful pegged at third class in primary school, In 1963 the violence on the streets in Jim Branigan's life, being made order has made a vital contribution to the candidates; bringing to 30,000 the which was unrealistic in the 1930ʼs. continued to escalate and almost leader of one of the premier, active Irish State. number of applications that had been Contrasting the work of the old Courts of every night the newspapers reported garda units in the country at the age examined since the appointment of Petty Sessions, overseen by unqualified cases of people being charged with of fifty-four. Raising standards OʼDuffy as Commissioner. magistrates, and the new District Courts possession of knives and other The Riot Squad proved an effective On his appointment as Commissioner in The legislation in 1925 bringing about with lawyers as justices, OʼDuffy offensive weapons. Jim had a measure of curbing the excesses of 1922 Eoin OʼDuffy took command of a the amalgamation of An Garda Síochána stressed the need for higher educational considerable number of charges for Dublin's gangs.� force of 1,689 men, with recruiting and the Dublin Metropolitan Police standards. these type of offences during this 9 10 particular sergeant there and he told before his Superintendent, on a a story about how on one occasion, charge of gossiping. Jim admitted the on a Saturday morning coming up to charge but refused to give the name Christmas 1935, he was on point duty of the person he was talking to until Garda memories from at the Haddington Road/Shepards he was formally charged in writing. Bush junction when he stopped a car When he left the Superintendent's in traffic to allow some pedestrians room, the Sergeant remarked that he cross the road. When he beckoned had 'got' him. Jim said nothing. But a the past the traffic to move, the first car couple of days later when Jim was on stopped in the middle of the junction parade, the Superintendent smiled at and the passenger asked Jim to go him - he had since discovered who By Inspector Pat McGee over to the curb side as he wanted a Jim was talking to - and why Jim was word with him. insisting on being charged in writing. It was Major General Murphy and "I'm sorry, Garda. If there is anything he wished to compliment Jim on his you want, I'll try and get it for you" traffic handling and to query an said the Superintendent. "A transfer, unusual feature on his face - a black sir" came the reply and shortly after eye. "You shouldn't be on duty with Christmas, in January 1936, he such an injury", remarked Jim's became Garda James C Branigan, boss. "It's okay, sir, it only looks a 160A Newmarket Garda Station. Jim little bad. I feel fine". "Did it happen said "goodbye and good riddance" to in the course of your duty, Garda?", Irishtown to begin a long and famous queried the General. "No, Sir". career first in the Garda A District “Then how did it happen, man?". "I first and then throughout the was in the ring last night in a contest metropolis. time - in a five-week period in early with an RUC Constable" remarked 1963 he had charged no less than Jim, waiting to be ticked off for The Battle of Baldoyle sixty thugs with possession of lethal turning out for duty with a horrible- The 'Battle of Baldoyle' as it was weapons. looking black eye. But to his surprise called, took place on May 14th 1940. Jim Branigan was not a rough the General engaged the bold Jim in It received massive media coverage Garda and never used his baton conversation about his boxing and a few months later, when the trial during his career. He did use his exploits while from the corner of his began, it displaced the Second World gloves - those famous black ones - eye he saw his Sergeant at the War in the National newspaper on occasion and also used his hand junction scribbling in his notebook. headlines and on the radio. Jim to give some trouble-shooter a few When the General terminated their Branigan played a crucial role in the clips. conversation and proceeded to drive infamous Battle and at the trial spent Promotion again came Jim's way away, Jim took a note of the car over four hours in the witness box, and in the beginning of December registration number and entered it in 1½ hours giving evidence and 2½ 1963 he was promoted to sergeant. his diary. hours under cross-examination. The following Monday when he Jim recalled the trial: “The amazing The Riot Squad reported for duty he was hauled aspect of the whole trial for me as a In August 1964, the Riot Squad was cop was that the most seriously set up to deal with violence in Dublin; injured man, who was called by the to be spearheaded by Jim Branigan, State as a witness, had to be treated a vote of confidence by the as hostile because he went back on a authorities in his ability to enforce Jim ʻLugsʼ statement which he had made to the Branigan law and order on the streets of the Gardaí while in hospital. This was my capital. first real experience of a Mafia Jim soon earned a reputation as cardinal rule of 'omertha' or silence, head of the Riot Squad and a which in gangster lingo means that colleague of his on that first team only death and trouble awaits the told how, at the end of August 1964, s An Garda Síochána now virtually at a standstill. Working long provided for a maximum establishment canary who sings. they were called to a Saturday night approaches the 86th hours with great urgency to make up for nationally of 7.646 men. Jim described thugs as gowgers. street battle. The battle was at its Anniversary of its foundation in lost time, the new Commissioner and his Candidates sat an examination in By this time the spelling of that word height when they arrived on the 1922 it is time for reflection upon small headquarters staff presented the arithmetic and dictation and in the ability had been refined to read 'gouger' by A scene. They heard a roar that "Lugs a number of issues that have helped to Department of Home affairs a tentative to write a ʻsensible letterʼ. OʼDuffy the media and had even been is here" and to their amazement saw contribute in establishing the Force as an establishment scheme providing for a welcomed a Home Affairs proposal to extended to cover the unruly female hardened criminals running into the integral part of this countryʼs history. Since complement of 5,520. By February, give responsibility for the entrance element in society when in February darkness, leaving the fighting to 1922 the vital role played by An Garda 1924, with the Force close to its examination to the Civil Service 1962 Jim referred to such ladies in another night. Síochána as an unarmed, disciplined and established strength, there were on file Commission. He criticised a standard court as being 'gougeressess'. Undoubtedly 1964 was a milestone completely legitimate defender of public 6,000 applications from hopeful pegged at third class in primary school, In 1963 the violence on the streets in Jim Branigan's life, being made order has made a vital contribution to the candidates; bringing to 30,000 the which was unrealistic in the 1930ʼs. continued to escalate and almost leader of one of the premier, active Irish State. number of applications that had been Contrasting the work of the old Courts of every night the newspapers reported garda units in the country at the age examined since the appointment of Petty Sessions, overseen by unqualified cases of people being charged with of fifty-four. Raising standards OʼDuffy as Commissioner. magistrates, and the new District Courts possession of knives and other The Riot Squad proved an effective On his appointment as Commissioner in The legislation in 1925 bringing about with lawyers as justices, OʼDuffy offensive weapons. Jim had a measure of curbing the excesses of 1922 Eoin OʼDuffy took command of a the amalgamation of An Garda Síochána stressed the need for higher educational considerable number of charges for Dublin's gangs.� force of 1,689 men, with recruiting and the Dublin Metropolitan Police standards. these type of offences during this 9 10 In a letter to the Department of and shot dead in reprisal for his Justice, dated 28 February 1931, the enforcement of the illicit distillation laws. Commissioner outlined ʻ…the day of the These members, who had physical dull, unintelligent policeman had goneʼ. confrontation forced on them, made the In an imaginative initiative, he headlines, but there are few records of introduced an efficiency and fitness test the moral courage of untried young men for all ranks and presented well- who presented themselves in public designed certificates, each signed houses after closing time to carry out personally by the Commissioner. their duty, of the petty resentment and OʼDuffy had to defend his initiative from taunts they accepted, and sometimes the ambitions of the Civil Service the humiliation of challenges to fight that Commission when it attempted to inflict in their good disciplined they ignored. In external assessors on the Force. He the years that followed there was never stated ʻ…it would be manifestly unfair to a word of the courage of young men bring in an outside body to determine who faced down bullies in remote the fitness of members of An Garda places. Síochánaʼ. The initiative of awarding certificates greatly appealed to many of The emergency thousands, including old republicans the recipients, coming from a culture The outbreak of World War II in 1939 who had never before crossed the unused to such acknowledgement of saw An Garda Síochána play a major threshold of a Garda station. Local personal achievement. role to deal with any threat arising from Sergeants instructed the volunteers in that conflict. basic police duties, with citizens living in A sober police force In the Spring of 1940, as the German the vicinity of stations rostered for As it set about its task of restoring armies beset the Low Countries and station or cordon duties or as peace the new Provisional Government swept across France, the part-time messengers. were dismayed at the rising tide of soldiers of the Volunteer Reserve left Superintendents became directly drunkenness and disregard for the the towns and villages to join the war involved in the organising a new army licensing laws which had crept in during effort, leaving Ireland without a home reserve, the Local Defence Force (LDF). the War of Independence. guard. In a radio broadcast the On 1 January 1941 the task of The enforcement of the liquor Taoiseach, Eamon de Valera, called for overseeing the LDF was transferred to licensing laws was seen as a priority for the organisation of a Local Security the army, with a guard seconded as an all concerned. Commissioner OʼDuffy Force (LSF). administrative officer in each LDF area. was asked by the Department of Home Commissioner Michael Kinnane The LSF remained under Garda control Affairs if the Gardaí themselves were delegated his most experienced officer, until the force was stood down at the being warned that they ʻmust be Deputy Commissioner W.R.E. Murphy, end of the Emergency in 1946. extremely careful to set a good to organise the LSF. Putting all other The Emergency Service Medal example….in order to preserve their work aside Murphy responded to the awarded to the Defence Forces and independence as custodians of the lawʼ. challenge with great zeal. other voluntary organisations, including The Minister was keenly aware of the On 4 June he circulated instructions to the LSF, was withheld from members of temptations for young incompletely all members of the Force on the An Garda Síochána as the contribution trained guards. ʻOrganisation and Duties of a Local by members of the Force, as permanent Supported by: Drinking on duty after hours ʻwould Security Forceʼ, followed on 24 June by The Garda Síochána Historical Society through lectures and exhibitions. The public servants, was deemed not to be deprive the guards of all of their public further instructions on the separation of is a non-profit making organisation Society also acts as a support service voluntary. usefulness in the enforcement of the military and auxiliary police functions � which was set up in response to for the development of the Garda Garda Síochána Historical Society Licensing Laws, apart from the breach and on 26 June and 13 July on the requests from both members of the Museum/Archives. The Garda Museum/Archives of disciplineʼ. particular duties of an unarmed LSF. Garda Síochána and the public. On 20 The Society is grateful for the support Records Tower In December 1922 OʼDuffy issued a The Gardaí were seen as a keystone to January 1995, a meeting was held in the of Garda Management, the Garda Dublin Castle general order on ʻIntemperance in the the success of this project. W.T. Garda Museum/Archives and the Garda Representative Association, the Garda Dublin 2. Civic Guardʼ. At that time half of the Cosgrave, said Síochána Historical Society was born. Síochána Retired Members Association, estimated strength of the Force had at the time the The Societyʼs aim is to bring the St Paulʼs Garda Credit Union, St Tel: 01 666 9998 been enrolled in the temperance guards were history and traditions of policing in Raphaelʼs Garda Credit Union and Email: [email protected] movement. ʻgood servants Ireland (especially the history of the the Dublin Metropolitan Region Garda Web: www.policehistory.com The weight of enforcing the Licensing of the State, Laws was soon felt in the land to the capable at a Garda Síochána) into the public arena; Social Club.� Text 087 750 5013 annoyance of a client in one drinking- momentʼs notice shop. On conviction in Kilkenny District of either Court for after-hours drinking, the stopping the defendant protested that he had been traffic to let frequenting his local public house for forty children cross, years and was ʻnever interfered with by or defending the the RICʼ. State with their The first winner, James lives if Mulroy and his colleague, John Donlan, necessaryʼ had been on public house duty when Men of all they were attacked. On 28 December ages 1925 Garda Thomas Dowling, 29 years, volunteered in of Fanore, Co. Clare was ambushed their tens of

11 12 In a letter to the Department of and shot dead in reprisal for his Justice, dated 28 February 1931, the enforcement of the illicit distillation laws. Commissioner outlined ʻ…the day of the These members, who had physical dull, unintelligent policeman had goneʼ. confrontation forced on them, made the In an imaginative initiative, he headlines, but there are few records of introduced an efficiency and fitness test the moral courage of untried young men for all ranks and presented well- who presented themselves in public designed certificates, each signed houses after closing time to carry out personally by the Commissioner. their duty, of the petty resentment and OʼDuffy had to defend his initiative from taunts they accepted, and sometimes the ambitions of the Civil Service the humiliation of challenges to fight that Commission when it attempted to inflict in their good disciplined they ignored. In external assessors on the Force. He the years that followed there was never stated ʻ…it would be manifestly unfair to a word of the courage of young men bring in an outside body to determine who faced down bullies in remote the fitness of members of An Garda places. Síochánaʼ. The initiative of awarding certificates greatly appealed to many of The emergency thousands, including old republicans the recipients, coming from a culture The outbreak of World War II in 1939 who had never before crossed the unused to such acknowledgement of saw An Garda Síochána play a major threshold of a Garda station. Local personal achievement. role to deal with any threat arising from Sergeants instructed the volunteers in that conflict. basic police duties, with citizens living in A sober police force In the Spring of 1940, as the German the vicinity of stations rostered for As it set about its task of restoring armies beset the Low Countries and station or cordon duties or as peace the new Provisional Government swept across France, the part-time messengers. were dismayed at the rising tide of soldiers of the Volunteer Reserve left Superintendents became directly drunkenness and disregard for the the towns and villages to join the war involved in the organising a new army licensing laws which had crept in during effort, leaving Ireland without a home reserve, the Local Defence Force (LDF). the War of Independence. guard. In a radio broadcast the On 1 January 1941 the task of The enforcement of the liquor Taoiseach, Eamon de Valera, called for overseeing the LDF was transferred to licensing laws was seen as a priority for the organisation of a Local Security the army, with a guard seconded as an all concerned. Commissioner OʼDuffy Force (LSF). administrative officer in each LDF area. was asked by the Department of Home Commissioner Michael Kinnane The LSF remained under Garda control Affairs if the Gardaí themselves were delegated his most experienced officer, until the force was stood down at the being warned that they ʻmust be Deputy Commissioner W.R.E. Murphy, end of the Emergency in 1946. extremely careful to set a good to organise the LSF. Putting all other The Emergency Service Medal example….in order to preserve their work aside Murphy responded to the awarded to the Defence Forces and independence as custodians of the lawʼ. challenge with great zeal. other voluntary organisations, including The Minister was keenly aware of the On 4 June he circulated instructions to the LSF, was withheld from members of temptations for young incompletely all members of the Force on the An Garda Síochána as the contribution trained guards. ʻOrganisation and Duties of a Local by members of the Force, as permanent Supported by: Drinking on duty after hours ʻwould Security Forceʼ, followed on 24 June by The Garda Síochána Historical Society through lectures and exhibitions. The public servants, was deemed not to be deprive the guards of all of their public further instructions on the separation of is a non-profit making organisation Society also acts as a support service voluntary. usefulness in the enforcement of the military and auxiliary police functions � which was set up in response to for the development of the Garda Garda Síochána Historical Society Licensing Laws, apart from the breach and on 26 June and 13 July on the requests from both members of the Museum/Archives. The Garda Museum/Archives of disciplineʼ. particular duties of an unarmed LSF. Garda Síochána and the public. On 20 The Society is grateful for the support Records Tower In December 1922 OʼDuffy issued a The Gardaí were seen as a keystone to January 1995, a meeting was held in the of Garda Management, the Garda Dublin Castle general order on ʻIntemperance in the the success of this project. W.T. Garda Museum/Archives and the Garda Representative Association, the Garda Dublin 2. Civic Guardʼ. At that time half of the Cosgrave, said Síochána Historical Society was born. Síochána Retired Members Association, estimated strength of the Force had at the time the The Societyʼs aim is to bring the St Paulʼs Garda Credit Union, St Tel: 01 666 9998 been enrolled in the temperance guards were history and traditions of policing in Raphaelʼs Garda Credit Union and Email: [email protected] movement. ʻgood servants Ireland (especially the history of the the Dublin Metropolitan Region Garda Web: www.policehistory.com The weight of enforcing the Licensing of the State, Laws was soon felt in the land to the capable at a Garda Síochána) into the public arena; Social Club.� Text 087 750 5013 annoyance of a client in one drinking- momentʼs notice shop. On conviction in Kilkenny District of either Court for after-hours drinking, the stopping the defendant protested that he had been traffic to let frequenting his local public house for forty children cross, years and was ʻnever interfered with by or defending the the RICʼ. State with their The first Scott Medal winner, James lives if Mulroy and his colleague, John Donlan, necessaryʼ had been on public house duty when Men of all they were attacked. On 28 December ages 1925 Garda Thomas Dowling, 29 years, volunteered in of Fanore, Co. Clare was ambushed their tens of

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