R (GSRMA) THE HISTORY OF THE GARDA SÍOCHÁNA RETIRED MEMBERS ASSOCIATION - FIDELITY AND JUSTICE - GARDA RETIRED | GARDA SIOCHANA PENSIONERS ...
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The History of the
Garda Síochána Retired
Members Association
(GSRMA)
r
50th Anniversary
1961 - 2011
Fidelity and Justice
Fi deli ty an d J ust i ce
Message from Tony Sourke,
President, Garda Síochána Retired Members’
Association
I
am honoured and humbled to address you, the
members of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’
Association, as your President. It gives me great
pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to all our members
on this the year of our 50th anniversary.
On September 14th it will be my privilege to welcome Her
Excellency, President Mary McAleese, Senator Dr Martin
McAleese, Mr Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice and
Equality and Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to our
50th anniversary celebrations in Westmanstown Sports and
Recreation Club.
The first committee, whose names are listed in this
special edition of Síocháin, worked tirelessly to set up the
structure of the successful organisation that we have today.
Having helped to establish the Irish State and maintain
its democratic institutions, in retirement they continued
to work in a dignified and selfless manner to promote the
interests of retired members of An Garda Síochána in a
positive way. Successive energetic committees continued
this pioneering work that has continued up to the
present day.
It is with deep respect and reverence that we honour
those founding fathers; we salute their achievements and
acknowledge the role played by their families. I look forward
to meeting the large number of our guests, from all parts of
the country, attending the event. Ar dheis Dé go raibh siad.
In conclusion we remember all members of An Garda Tony Sourke
Síochána, serving and retired, who have passed to their President.
eternal reward. Garda Siochana Retired Members’ Association.
2
F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
Message from Alan Shatter TD,
Minister for Justice and Equality, to the Garda
Síochána Retired Members’ Association
I
am delighted to be given this opportunity to wish a on your experience and
very happy 50th anniversary to all the members of the example.
Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association and
your families. Each of you will have
lived through periods
In a few years we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of change in An Garda
of the foundation of this State. This State has its beginnings Síochána. In 1959
in the aftermath of a war of independence and a civil war. the first female gardaí
It was a difficult time for all those involved in the process were appointed and we
of government, for all those involved in upholding the law. remember them today
In order to survive these early years the State needed a law and the enormous
enforcement body that was absolutely fair and impartial and contribution that women have made to the organisation
above politics. An Garda Síochána provided this service and to this association. We must also acknowledge those
from the outset. The State is deeply indebted to you and members who performed peace keeping duties overseas and
your predecessors for your service and your professionalism. who were global ambassadors for this country. Most of all
It is appropriate at this time to reflect on the invaluable we remember with the deepest respect all of those who lost
contribution made by members of the Force to the building their lives in the line of duty.
of modern Ireland.
An Garda Síochána has a proud tradition of support for
Members now retired have served this country well through its members and in the last 50 years your organisation has
some difficult and turbulent times and this will not be continued to provide this support for retired members.
forgotten. Many of the young members today will not Not only have you supported each other but you have
remember the time when part of the island was in the grip contributed to many charitable organisations with your
of sectarian and political strife. Members of An Garda time and your money. This is yet another example of what
Síochána lost their lives in the fight against terrorism and An Garda Síochána do best, looking out for the most
we remember them today. The threat from terrorists has vulnerable in our society.
changed, but the gardaí continue to protect the citizens
from those who want to defy the democratic will of the I thank you for the excellence of your service over the years
overwhelming majority of people on this island. The and wish you and your families well. I congratulate this
challenges for today’s gardaí are as great as ever with the Association on this important anniversary and wish you
increase in gangland crime and dealing with communities continued success in the future.
devastated from the ravages of drug abuse. Your legacy is
not just to the State but to today’s Force which can draw Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice and Equality
3
Fi deli ty an d J ust i ce
BACKGROUND They were very disappointed in December 1960, when
A
n Garda Síochána was founded in February, a Government order was made to merge rent allowance
1922. By the late 1950s to early 1960s many permanently into the pay structure for serving members.
of the first generation gardaí had retired. While The rent allowance therefore no longer existed and the
serving in the Force they lived in official accommodation question of making it pensionable did not apply. The rights
or received a small rent allowance annually from the State. of the garda pensioners were either forgotten or deliberately
Suddenly, after retiring, they realised they had to find ignored by the State.
alternative accommodation and exist on a pension. Some
found it difficult to survive and emigrated overseas to seek Their definition of ‘Parity’
employment to support their family. “That irrespective of the date of retirement, a garda pension
should be automatically adjusted so that it would be the same as
On September 10th 1960, 19 garda pensioners met in the pension of a garda of equivalent rank and service, who had
the Queen’s Hotel, Cork to discuss their grievances. Cork just retired on pension, whether that be then or in the future.”
was also the base for the Garda Síochána Pensioners’
Organisation (GSPO) that was founded in 1951 and This dream was eventually realised on Budget Day, 1984,
absorbed into the new association. In September 1960 when full parity was implemented by the Government.
the Cork comrades did not realise that throughout the
country garda pensioners were gathering and forming Officers elected at Moran’s
support groups. Hotel, Dublin, January, 18th 1961
The following officers were elected and the meeting was
In early January, 1961, retired Garda Sergeant Tom adjourned for one week.
Madden wrote three letters to the Dublin Evening Mail
highlighting the injustice of the meagre pensions paid to Chairman: Daniel Brosnan
retired members. The feedback was instantaneous and Vice Chairmen: Peter Heffernan/Tom Keyes
resulted in 40 retired colleagues attending a meeting at Hon. Secretary: Tom Conway
Moran’s Hotel, Talbot Street, Dublin on Wednesday, Hon. Treasurer: Tom O’ Leary
January 18th 1961.
At the subsequent meeting held at Moran’s Hotel, in
January 1961 the following committee was elected:
Eugene Farrelly
Michael Conlon
Tom Madden
James Cahill
Frank O’Hehir
Jim Finnerty
Patrick O’ Sullivan
A third meeting was scheduled for Moran’s Hotel, on
Monday, February 6th 1961 and it was agreed that all
those attending should contribute a half-crown to fund
Their major grievances at the time were that they wanted the organisation.
parity of pensions with gardaí who were retiring at that
time and in the future. A garda pensioner who retired in Meeting at Moran’s Hotel –
1955 had 24 per cent less of a pension than that his 1961 February 6th 1961
retired colleague. These retired gardaí, while serving in There was huge enthusiasm when over 200 retired gardaí
the Force, had pushed to have the garda rent allowance assembled at Moran’s Hotel, Talbot Street, Dublin
of approximately £18 per annum made pensionable. on Monday, February 6th 1961 for the official launch
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F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
of the Garda Síochána Pensioners’ Association. The distribute free of charge,
meeting agreed to prepare a memorandum to present a quarterly pensioners’
to the Government outlining their case for increasing journal, if the association
garda retirement pensions. A committee meeting was could supply 20 pages
scheduled for the February 27th 1961 to examine a draft of advertisements. The
copy of the memorandum. Tom O’ Leary (treasurer) name given to the new
had no difficulty collecting the half-crown contribution journal was An Síothadóir
to fund the new association. Membership was open to all which means pacifier or
in receipt of a pension for service in An Garda Síochána person who keeps the
and to widows whose husbands served in the Force. The peace. Tom Keyes was
pressure of administrative work led to the secretary resigning appointed manager and
to concentrate on his own employment. The Central Tom O’ Leary, editor.
Committee then appointed Michael Conlon as acting The very first issue
secretary with Tom O’ Leary becoming organising secretary of An Síothadóir was
as well as treasurer. published in January,
1962. John Nolan, a retired garda who worked for the
Shortly afterwards the Central Committee expanded and the publishers, did marvellous work for many years collecting
following were co-opted: the advertisements for the journal. Later the title of the
Seán Liddy (President) journal was changed to Síocháin and in January, 1971,
Robert Wolfe (Vice-President) retired Garda Sergeant Ted Cahill was appointed the new
Denis McCarthy (Cork) manager to oversee its publication.
Paddy Brogan (Cork)
The first AGM
Joint Consultative Council On February 7th 1962, Moran’s Hotel, Dublin was the
On September 26th 1961, the Garda Síochána Pensioners venue for the first AGM of the new association. A total
Association joined the Joint Consultative Council which of 600 representatives countrywide assembled to witness
represented retired State servants, including retired teachers proceedings opened by Daniel Brosnan, Chairman of
and army officers. Central Committee. In his first presidential address, Seán
Liddy stated: “All great movements have small beginnings
and, as you are aware the embryo of our association came
to life here on the 6th of February 1961, and tonight we
celebrate its anniversary.”
Records show many country branches were well represented
with delegates from Ballina, Ballinasloe, Ballinrobe,
Boyle, Buncrana, Castlerea, Claremorris, Clonmel, Cork,
Drogheda, Dundalk, Ennis, Galway, Gorey, Loughrea,
Killaloe, Kilrush, Sligo, Swinford, Thurles, Templemore
and Wexford.
Speakers at the first AGM were Daniel Brosnan; Tom
An Síothadóir Keyes (Vice Chairman); James Cahill, Tom Madden; Denis
The new Central Committee realised the need for a journal McCarty (Cork) and TS McDonagh (Dundalk).
like the Garda Review to communicate with retired gardaí.
Capt. DJ O’ Kelly, (the first editor of the Garda Review) The following Central Committee elected in 1962,
made a proposition that the firm of Cahill & Co, Parkside remained almost unchanged up to the time of President
Press, Parkgate Street, Dublin, would print, publish and Liddy’s death in March, 1965.
5
Fid eli ty an d Justi ce
President: Seán Liddy Committee: Mrs Alice Flanagan, Mrs Elizabeth Gallagher,
V. President: Robert Wolfe Mrs Margaret McGilloway, Mrs Nora O’ Halloran, and Mrs
Chairman: Daniel Brosnan Christina Sinnott.
V. Chairmen: Tom Keyes and Peter Heffernan
Gen. Secretary: Tom O’Leary Mrs Quigley held the office of President for ten years.
Treasurer: Eugene Farelly
Committee: Tom Madden, Frank O’ Hehir, Patrick The committee nominated two representatives to attend
O’ Sullivan, Denis McCarthy, Paddy Brogan, Archie Central Committee meetings. After establishing the
McAllister, John Berry. Widows’ Committee, the Central Committee did marvellous
work in persuading the Government, in 1962, to increase
By December, 1961, membership of the association the minimum scale for widows from £59 to £98 per annum
reached 1,400 and the first central office was opened plus a substantial increase in children’s allowance.
at 38 Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Later, the annual
membership fee was doubled to meet the expense of moving In 1986, the ladies committee was disbanded because,
to a new office at 43 Dawson Street in October 1962. by then, they were part of improved branch committee
Records show that the rent agreed for Dawson Street Office structure which was able to nominate widows and retired
was £15 per quarter. In October 1973, the central office members to the Central Committee of the association.
was located at 32 Nassau Street. When that lease expired
in April 1999, the Central Committee made a decision to AGM – Tuesday, March 3rd 1964
transfer head office to its true home at the Garda Club, The third AGM saw Moran’s Hotel packed to capacity with
Harrington Street, Dublin 8. at least 200 people unable to gain admission. The Central
Committee realised that in future they would have to seek a
Inauguration of a Widows’ larger venue.
Committee
In 1952, Garda Martin Quigley, Irishtown Station Dublin, President Seán Liddy informed those present that both
died leaving his widow Elizabeth to rear their seven he and Tom O’ Leary had travelled to the Irish Club in
children. Four years later, Mrs Quigley carried-out a survey London during the year to establish a new branch of the
to establish the names of other garda widows. Through association. Seventy-five retired gardaí attended the London
her voluntary work, she corresponded with many garda meeting. They emigrated after giving a lifetime of valuable
widows and built a support group. A ladies’ branch of service because they could not afford to live here on their
the Garda Síochána Pensioners Association was officially miserable pensions. Most of them were still paying for their
launched at Moran’s Hotel, Dublin on the July 24th 1962. families’ education back home.
President Seán
Liddy along with
Vice Chairman
Tom Keyes were
present at the
inauguration.
The new ladies
committee elected
were:
President: Mrs
Elizabeth Quigley
Hon. Secretary:
Mrs Marjorie Ellis
Treasurer:
Mrs Elizabeth
Cummins
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F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
LIST OF CENTRAL Chairman: Daniel Brosnan Patrick E. Sheahan, Marjorie Ellis,
Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary Christina Sinnott.
COMMITTEES Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Denis
Connolly, Tom Keyes, Tom Madden, 1975
1966 Frank O’ Hehir. President: Alfred I. Flood
President: Seán Hughes Chairman: Tom O’ Leary
Chairman: Daniel Brosnan 1971 Gen. Sec.: Tom Costello
Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary President: Seán Hughes Committee: Denis Connolly, Seán
Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Chairman: Daniel Brosnan Hughes, Tom Collins, Tom Keyes,
Denis Connolly, Tom Keyes, Peter Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary Pat Campbell, Tom Delaney, Bill
Heffernan, Patrick O’ Sullivan, Committee: Eugene Farrelly,Denis Isdell, Seán MacBrinn, A. McAllister,
Frank O’ Hehir, Tom Madden, John Connolly, Tom Keyes, Tom Madden, Malachy Tuohy, Patrick O’ Sullivan,
Berry, A. McAllister, Bill Isdell, Pat John Berry, Pat Campbel, Bill Isdell, Patrick E. Sheahan, John Cashin,
Campbell, Elizabeth Quigley, Marjorie A. McAllister, Frank O’ Hehir, Patrick James Callery, Dan Brosnan, Eugene
Ellis. O’ Sullivan, Peter Shiel, Tom Cahill, Farrelly, Marjorie Ellis Teresa Coffey.
Elizabeth Quigley, Marjorie Ellis.
1967 1976
President: Seán Hughes 1972 President: Alfred I. Flood
Chairman: Daniel Brosnan President: Alfred I. Flood Chairman: Tom O’ Leary
Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary Chairman: Daniel Brosnan Gen. Sec.: Tom Costello
Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Denis Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary Committee: Denis Connolly, Eugene
Connolly, Frank O’ Hehir, Peter Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Denis Farrelly, Tom Collins, Frank O’ Hehir,
Shiel, John Berry, Tom Madden, A. Connolly, John Berry, Seán Hughes, Pat Campbell, Tom Delaney, Bill
McAllister, Pat Campbell, Elizabeth Tom Keyes, Pat Campbell, Ted Cahill, Isdell, A. McAllister, John Cashin,
Quigley, Marjorie Ellis. A. McAllister, Frank O’ Hehir, Peter James Callery, Herbert Lee, Vincent
Shiel, Patrick E. Sheahan, Marjorie Collins, Marjorie Ellis, Lillian Hyland.
1968 Ellis, Christina Sinnott.
President: Seán Hughes 1977
Chairman: Daniel Brosnan 1973 President: Alfred I. Flood
Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary President: Alfred I. Flood Chairman: Tom O’ Leary
Committee: Peter Shiel, Denis Chairman: Daniel Brosnan Gen. Sec.: Tom Costello
Connolly, Frank O’ Hehir, Eugene Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary Committee: Bill Isdell, Eugene
Farrelly, John McBrien, Michael Kiely, Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Seán Farrelly, Frank O’ Hehir, Denis
Tom Madden, Elizabeth Quigley, Hughes, Denis Connolly, Tom Keyes, Connolly, Tom Collins, Pat Campbell,
Marjorie Ellis. John Berry, Pat Campbell, Ted Cahill, Tom Delaney, A. McAllister, John
Bill Isdell, A. McAllister, Frank O’ Cashill, James Callery, Herbert Lee,
1969 Hehir, Patrick O’ Sullivan, Peter Shiel, Marjorie Ellis, Lillian Hyland.
President: Seán Hughes Patrick E. Sheahan, Marjorie Ellis,
Chairman: Daniel Brosnan Christina Sinnott. 1978
Gen. Sec.: Tom O’ Leary President: Alfred I. Flood
Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Denis 1974 Chairman: Tom O’ Leary
Connolly, John Berry, J. Cronin, Frank President: Alfred I. Flood Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane
O’ Hehir, A. McAllister, Peter Shiel, Chairman: Tom O’ Leary Committee: Tom Collins, Pat
Seán Flase, Pat Campbell, J. Molloy, Gen. Sec.: Tom Costello Campbell, Frank O’ Hehir, Tom
TJ Casey, Tom Madden, Marjorie Committee: Eugene Farrelly, Seán Costello, Bill Isdell, Eugene Farrelly,
Ellis, Elizabeth Quigley. Hughes, Denis Connolly, Tom Keyes, Tom Delaney, A. McAllister, John
John Berry, Pat Campbell, Ted Cahill, Cashin, James Callery, Herbert Lee,
1970 Bill Isdell, A McAllister, Frank O’ Marjorie Ellis, Lillian Hyland.
President: Seán Hughes Hehir, Patrick O’ Sullivan, Peter Shiel,
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Fid el i ty an d Justi ce
1979 Michael Sutton, John Cashin, Tom Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald
President: Alfred I. Flood Costello, Paddy Driscoll, Redmond Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Shea, Patrick Clerkin, Bill Isdell, Committee: Patrick Clerkin,
Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane William Farrell, Lillian Hyland, Helena Patrick Dunne, Paddy Driscoll PJ
Committee: Bill Isdell, Tom Collins, Glynn. Rogan, Tom Ryan, Dave Dillane,
Eugene Farrelly, Pat Campbell, James John Hartigan, Michael Sutton,
Callery, John Cashin, Tom Costello, 1984 Frank White, Helena Glynn, Kay O’
Tom Delaney, Paddy Driscoll, Herbert President: Alfred I. Flood Shaughnessy.
Lee, Dan O’ Donovan, Tom O’ Leary, Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald
Marjorie Ellis, Lillian Hyland. Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane 1989
Committee: Herbert Lee, James President: Paddy Driscoll
1980 Callery, Eugene Farrelly, Tom Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald
President: Alfred I. Flood Delaney, Michael Sutton, John Cashin, Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Tom Costello, Redmond Shea, Patrick Committee: Michael Bohan, Dave
Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Clerkin, Bill Isdell, William Farrell, Dillane, Dave Devaney, Tom Ryan,
Committee: Tom Collins, Eugene Dave Dillane, Paddy Driscoll, Frank PJ Rogan, Seán Murray, Frank White,
Farrelly, Tom Delaney, John Cashin, White, Lillian Hyland, Helena Glynn. Helena Glynn, Kay O’ Shaughnessy,
Tom Costello, Paddy Driscoll, Bill Brid Reid.
Isdell, Herbert Lee, Dan O’ Donovan, 1985
Lilian Hyland, Helena Glynn. President: Alfred I. Flood 1990
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald President: Paddy Driscoll
1981 Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Chairman: Tom Ryan
President: Alfred I. Flood Committee: John Cashin, Patrick Gen. Sec.: Frank White
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Clerkin, Tom Delaney, Dave Dillane, Committee: Michael Bohan, Dave
Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Paddy Driscoll, Bill Isdell, Redmond Dillane, Seán Murray, PJ Rogan,
Committee: Tom Collins, Eugene Shea, Michael Sutton, James James Callery, David Devaney, Joe
Farrelly, James Callery, Tom Dellaney, McGreedy, Lillian Hyland, Helena Wilson, Don Boyle, Peg McNamara,
John Cashin, Paddy Driscoll, Dan O’ Glynn. Brid Reid, Bernie Morrisey.
Donovan, Tom O’ Leary, Herbert
Lee, Bill Isdell, Michael Sutton, Lilian 1986 1991
Hyland, Helena Glynn. President: James Callery President: Paddy Driscoll
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Chairman: Tom Ryan
1982 Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Gen. Sec.: Frank White
President: Alfred I. Flood Committee: Paddy Driscoll, Michael Committee: Michael Bohan, Joe
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Sutton, Tom Delaney, John Cashin, Wilson, Dave Dillane, Dave Devaney,
Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Patrick Clerkin, Redmond Shea, Dave Seán Murray, PJ Rogan, Pat Quinn,
Committee: Herbert Lee, James Dillane, Frank White, Helena Glynn, John Hartigan, Paddy McGinley,
Callery, Eugene Farrelly, Tom Kay O’ Shaughnessy, Lillian Hyland. Bernie Morrissey.
Delaney, Michael Sutton, John
Cashin, Tom Costello, Paddy Driscoll, 1987 1992
Redmond Shea, Patrick Clerkin, Bill President: James Callery President: Dave Dillane
Isdell, William Farrell, Lillian Hyland, Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Chairman: Tom Ryan
Helena Glynn. Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Gen. Sec.: Frank White
Committee: John Cashill, Patrick Committee: Paddy McGinley, Bríd
1983 Clerkin, Dave Dillane, John Hartigan, Reid, Bernie Morrissey, Seán Murray,
President: Alfred I. Flood Tom Ryan, Michael Sutton, Paddy John Hartigan, PJ Rogan, Michael
Chairman: Jim Fitzgerald Driscoll, Kay O’ Shaughnessy. Bohan, Joe Wilson, Pat Quinn, Dave
Gen. Sec.: Dan Spillane Devaney, Don Boyle.
Committee: Herbert Lee, Eugene 1988
Farrelly, James Callery, Tom Delaney, President: James Callery
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F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
1993 1998 Durcan, John Hartigan, Christy
President: Dave Dillane President: Seán Murray Lonergan, Grace Lyden, Attracta
Chairman: Tom Ryan Chairman: Dave Devaney Lynch, Joe Storey, John Thornhill.
Gen. Sec.: Frank White Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle
Committee: Tom Hennessy, Peter Committee: PJ Rogan, Tom Ryan, 2004 to 2006
McGing, Paddy McGinley, John Phil Callanan, Dave Devaney, John President: John Hickey
Mulcair, Seán Murray, Paddy Driscoll, Hickey, Peter McGing, Jim Cannon, Chairman: John Durcan
Bríd Reid, PJ Rogan, Joe Wilson, Dave Dave Dillane, Hue Gallagher, Tom Gen. Sec.: Gerard Lovett
Devaney. Hennessy. Committee: Pádraic Costell, John
Hartigan, Jim Cannon, Pat Doherty,
1994 1999 Joe Dunleavy, John Hennessy, Jim
President: Dave Dillane President: Seán Murray Joyce, Christy Lonergan, Grace Lyden,
Chairman: Tom Ryan Chairman: Dave Devaney PJ Rogan, Tony Sourke, Joe Storey,
Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle John Thornhill.
Committee: PJ Rogan, Tom Ryan, Committee: Phil Callanan, Jim
Seán Murray, Pat Fitzgerald, Bríd Cannon, John Durcan, Pat Fitzgerald, 2006 to 2008
Reid, Dave Devaney, Tom Hennessy, Tom Hennessy, John Hickey, Peter President: Pádraic Costello
Pat Quinn, Peter McGinley, Dan McGinley, PJ Rogan, Tom Ryan, Dave Chairman: John Durcan
Kenny, Paddy McGinley, John Dillane, Hue Gallagher, Dan McCann, Gen. Sec.: Gerard Lovett
Mulcair. Pádraic Costello. Committee: Cathal Murphy, Tony
Sourke, John Hartigan, Gerry Buckley,
1995 2000 Jim Cannon, Joe Dunleavy, Fintan
President: Tom Ryan President: Seán Murray Dunne, Christy Lonergan, Grace
Chairman: PJ Rogan Chairman: Dave Devaney Lyden, Charlie McCarron, John F.
Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle Murray, Tony Sourke, Joe Storey, John
Committee: Phil Callanan, Joe Committee: Tom Hennessy, Peter Thornhill.
Wilson, Dave Dillane, Dave Devaney, McGing, Hue Gallagher, John Durcan,
Peter McGing, Pat Quinn, Brid Reid, Jim Cannon, Christy Lonergan, Phil 2008 to 2010
Tom Hennessy, Paddy McGinley. Callanan, Joe Wilson, John Hickey, President: Pádraic Costello
Seán Cashman, Padraic Costello, Pat Chairman: Cathal Murphy
1996 Fitzgerald. Gen. Sec.: Gerard Lovett
President: Tom Ryan Committee: Charlie McCarron,
Chairman: PJ Rogan 2001 Tony Sourke, John Hartigan, Gerry
Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle President: PJ Rogan Buckley, Noel Campbell, Jim Cannon,
Committee: Phil Callanan, Dave Chairman: Phil Callanan Joe Dunleavy, Fintan Dunne,
Devaney, Dave Dillane, Pat Fitzgerald, Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle John Durcan, Pat Lehane, Christy
Tom Hennessy, John Mulcair, Peter Committee: John Hickey, Pádraic Lonergan, Grace Lyden, Charlie
McGing, Brid Reid, Joe Wilson, John Costello, Jim Cannon, Seán Cashman, McCarron, John F. Murray.
Hickey, Dan McCann, Frank White. Peter Donelon, John Durcan, Pat
Fitzgerald, John Hennessy, Christy 2010 to 2012
1997 Lonergan, Attracta Lynch, Paddy O’ President: Tony Sourke
President: Tom Ryan Brien, Joe Storey, John Thornhill. Chairman: Charlie McCarron
Chairman: PJ Rogan Gen. Sec.: Gerard Lovett (2010) John
Gen. Sec.: Don Boyle 2002 to 2004 Rafter (2011)
Committee: Dave Devaney, Tom President: PJ Rogan Committee: Gerry Blake, Grace
Hennessy, John Hickey, Phil Callanan, Chairman: John Hennessy Lyden, Fintan Dunne, Tim Bowe,
Dave Dillane, Pat Fitzgerald, Dan Gen. Sec.: Eddie O’ Donovan Noel Campbell, Pádraic Costello, John
Kenny, Joe Wilson, Peter McGing. Committee: John Hickey, Paddy O’ Durcan, Paschal Feeney, Tom Griffin,
Brien, Phil Callanan, Seán Cashman, John Hartigan, Pat Lehane, Christy
Pádraic Costello, Pat Doherty, John Lonergan, Noel McCarthy.
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FOUNDING MEMBERS
Below is a brief profile of duty at this point after 12 negotiating skills came
the founding members of noon on this date will be to good use after he was
our Association. shot down without further unanimously elected
notice.” By 11am a large chairman. For the following
crowd had gathered and 13 years, Daniel Brosnan
remained to see if Madden was the driving force
would be shot. Madden and chairman behind the
stayed on the point until Central Committee of the
1pm and returned to it again Association.
at 2pm. Nothing happened.
He returned to the DMA
in 1928, was promoted to
sergeant in 1937 and retired Tom O’ Leary
Tom Madden in 1960. In January 1961 he Tom O’ Leary was born
Tom Madden was born wrote the three letters to the in Lisdoonvarna, Co.
in Castlebar in 1899 and Dublin Evening Mail that Clare. Tom, with Reg.
joined An Garda Síochána led to the formation of the No. 5343, spent most
in 1922. He was one of the Garda Síochána Pensioners’ of his garda service as a
station party sent to open Association. He later served Weights and Measures
Mullingar Garda Barracks for many years on the Thomas Keyes inspector with Dublin
in September 1922. On Central Committee of the Tom Keyes was one of the Corporation. He retired
November 8th of that year, association. first vice chairmen of the from An Garda Síochána
along with 80 gardaí under Central Committee and was in June 1952. In January
Superintendent Cullen, he appointed manager to An 1961 he was a founding
set off from South Wall, Síothadóir journal in 1962. member and first treasurer
Dublin on the S.S. Munster Hailing from Tipperary, he of the Garda Pensioners’
with a task to make-up a joined An Garda Síochána Association. Elected general
station party for Cork city. in March, 1922 and was secretary in 1962 he held
The Cork barracks was sited promoted to sergeant six the office for ten years.
initially at the School of months later. He was sent In October 1973, he was
Music and later at Moore’s with a party of eight to elected Central Committee
Hotel. He had his share of open Raphoe Station and chairman. During his term
danger and excitement in Daniel Brosnan seven months later was in office, the Association
those turbulent times in Daniel Brosnan was a promoted to inspector and set-up a network of
Cork city. One outstanding Kerryman who rose through assigned to New Ross. branches throughout the
incident occurred in the the ranks from sergeant in Promoted superintendent country. As editor of An
spring of 1923, while he 1924 to superintendent in in 1924, he served as Síothadóir and Síocháin he
was on traffic duty at the 1953. All his garda service district officer in Bantry, kept all the Garda retired
corner of Washington Street. was in Dublin Metropolitan Bandon and Abbeyleix members well informed.
That morning when taking- Division. For a number before retiring in 1955. A After his retirement from
up traffic point duty at of years he served on the founder member of GPA, he the Central Committee in
10am, he observed a typed Central Council of the is credited with compiling 1979, the Dublin South
poster on a shop building. Representative Body at the first memorandum branch presented O’ Leary
It was signed by a famous Garda HQ. At the first of the association sent to with a rolled gold mounted
Republican leader and read: meeting of the Garda Government. He was the umbrella in appreciation of
“Any member of the Civic Pensioners’ Association first to advocate ‘parity’ with his work. He died on the
Guards found on traffic in January 1961, his serving members. December 14th 1981.
10F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
of the Cork Branch which 4826 and a year later was
was founded a few months promoted to sergeant. Cahill
prior to the national body. spent most of his service
With a Cork membership in the Cavan/Monaghan
of 127, he was able to Division and retired in 1952.
provide great support to Cahill died in January 1979.
the founding members
of the Garda Síochána
Pensioners Association. At
Eugene Farrelly the first AGM in Moran’s
A native of Kingscourt, Co. Robert Wolfe Hotel Dublin, McCarthy
Cavan, Eugene Farrelly Robert Wolfe was member stated that on September
joined An Garda Síochána of the old DMP at the time 10th 1960, the babe of
in 1925. He was promoted of the Anglo Irish Treaty. the association was born
detective sergeant in 1947 He was promoted sergeant when 19 true comrades
while attached to Dublin in 1922 and continued got together at the Queen’s
Castle. He retired from the his police service into Hotel in Cork city. He was
gardaí in 1957 and became An Garda Síochána. In co-opted onto the Central
a founding member of the 1930 he was promoted to Committee in 1961. Denis Connolly
association in 1961. In 1962 inspector and ten years Denis Connolly was a native
he was elected treasurer and later superintendent. He Patrick O’ of Glengarriff, Co. Cork
held the post for a number was promoted to chief Sullivan and a founding member of
of years. superintendent rank in Pat O’ Sullivan had served An Garda Síochána with
1942 and was transferred in Pearse Street as an Reg. No. 854. In 1962
to Dublin Castle. Following inspector. He attended the he retired at the rank of
retirement in 1947, he wrote first meeting in January chief superintendent and
A Police Guide to the Law 1961 and played an active joined the Garda Síochána
of Evidence which was part in forming the new Pensioners’ Association. In
widely sought by gardaí and association. Pat was a 1966 he was elected as one
law students. One of the first member of the Central of its vice presidents and
vice presidents of the Garda Committee from 1961 until held the office for over ten
Pensioners’ Association, 1974. years.
Wolfe died in 1965
Frank O’Hehir
Peter Heffernan Frank O’Hehir was born
A native of Kilkenny, Peter near Ennis, Co. Clare and
Heffernan joined the Dublin was a founding member of
Metropolitan Police in 1905. An Garda Síochána, holding
He was promoted sergeant Reg. No. 96. His brother
in 1922 and three years James, who joined the
later his DMP service was Force with him on the first
amalgamated into An Garda recruitment day, was issued
Síochána. He was promoted with Reg. No. 88. Frank
to inspector in 1926 and gave all his garda service in
to superintendent in 1940. James Cahill Donegal and retired from
He was one of the founding Denis McCarthy James Cahill was on the Buncrana Station in April,
members of the Association Denis McCarthy lived at 1961 Central Committee. 1958. Following retirement,
and elected vice-chairman in Windmill Road in Cork He joined the Force in June he moved to live in Marino,
1961. and was Hon. Secretary 1923 with the Reg. No. Dublin with his family.
11Fid el i ty an d Justi ce
In January 1961, O’Hehir Ross, Enniscorthy, Dingle is now awarded by the
created history again when and Clonakilty. Following presidents Association to members
he was one of the first retirement he went to live in of the GSRMA who were
retired members to join the Wilton Road, Cork city. He seriously injured in the
new association. He was was elected chairman of the discharge of duty.
elected onto the first Central Cork branch of the Garda
Committee where he gave Pensioners’ Association
18 years sterling service. He when it was formed in
died in February 1983. late 1960. In 1961 he
was co-opted onto the
Archie Central Committee of the
McAllister Association.
Archie McAllister was
born in Cloughmills, Co.
Antrim. He was one of the
founding members of An
Garda Síochána, (Reg. No. First President –
3114). McAllister served in Seán Liddy Seán Hughes
Donegal, Granard, Redmills Seán was a native of Seán Hughes was born in
and retired from Killucan Cooraclare, Co. Clare, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. He
in 1954. He was very where he was local TD for joined An Garda Síochána
involved with the formation the period 1918/22. He in April 1922 and in July of
of the Garda Pensioners’ joined An Garda Síochána that year he was chosen to
Association and in 1962 in 1922 and retired in 1953 take charge of gardaí for the
was elected to the Central as chief superintendent of protection of Government
Committee. His service Sligo/Leitrim Division. After Buildings. In March 1923 he
record with the Central retirement he was appointed was appointed district officer
Committee lasted until his John Berry (TC) as a member of the Military for Sligo Garda District.
death in August, 1978. John Berry was born in Service Board. In 1961 he By 1928, he was district
Clonbrook, Co. Kildare and was co-opted to the Central officer in Howth. While
joined An Garda Síochána Committee and appointed stationed there he read law
with Reg. No. 1455. He to the position of president in the national university
resided at Windsor Road, of the Garda Síochána and was called to the Bar
Rathmines, Dublin. He Pensioners’ Association. in 1934. He spent ten years
served as a detective While returning home from as district officer in Mallow
sergeant in Pearse Street and the garda pensioners office before moving to Midleton
Dublin Castle. After retiring on Monday evening, March in 1943. He was a Munster
from An Garda Síochána on 29th 1965, President Seán representative on the Garda
May 25th 1951 he served as Liddy was involved in a Representative Body for
an elected representative of traffic accident in Dublin many years before retiring
Dublin Town Council from and died the following from An Garda Síochána
1966-73. From 1962 he was morning. He was laid to rest in July 1957. At the AGM
a prominent member on the in Kilmacduane Cemetery, of the Garda Síochána
Paddy Brogan Central Committee of the Cooraclare, with full military Pensioners’ Association in
A native of Dunmore, Co. Garda Síochána Pensioners’ honours. His wife Nan, March, 1966, he was elected
Galway, Brogan retired Association and was vice who died on January 8th the second president of the
from An Garda Síochána chairman for some years. He 1984, was also a native of association and held the
on March 18th 1960 died in 1981. Cooraclare. The Garda office for six years. He died
having served in New Veterans ‘Liddy Medal’, in September, 1978.
12F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
the Garda Pensioners’ Paddy Driscoll was promoted to sergeant.
Association and at their Paddy Driscoll was a He retired from the Force
1972 AGM was elected native of Ballycotton, from Glin, Co. Limerick
president. He held the post Co. Cork, where football in 1982 and went back
for a total of 14 years. He played a huge part in his to live in Abbeydorney
died on the March 30th life. Driscoll figured on the with his wife, Catherine.
1997. remarkable garda team that Dillane immediately joined
won the 1950 Cork County the Tralee Branch of the
Football Championship Garda Síochána Pensioners’
and for ten years had the Association and while
honour of representing branch secretary helped to
Cork. He served as a garda revive the local branch. In
Alfred I. Flood immigration officer in Cork 1984, he was elected to the
Alfred Ignatius Flood was and retired in the 1970s. Central Committee and
born in Dublin in 1904 After retirement from he held the position for 16
and received his secondary An Garda Síochána, he years. Between 1992 and
education in Belvedere became actively involved 1995, he was president of
College. He joined An James Callery with the Garda Pensioners’ the Association.
Garda Síochána in 1924 James Callery was a native Association. In 1979, he
and had Reg. No. 6328. of Ballyjamesduff, Co. was elected to the Central
Better known as Alfie to Cavan and joined An Committee and for 13
friends, the name ‘A.I. Garda Síochána in 1925. years played an active role
Flood’ appeared on many He served in many stations in the association. He was
official garda circulars. He from Mayo, Birr, Drogheda, president of our Association
was a member of the college Roscommon and Naas. for three years – 1989 to
rugby teams which won the Following his promotion 1991.
Leinster Senior Schools’ to superintendent in 1963
Cup in 1923 and 1924. On he served in Belmullet and
leaving college he joined An Carrickmacross before
Garda Síochána and at 19 retiring in 1969. After
years of age was promoted retiring from the Force, he
sergeant and posted became an active member in Tom Ryan
to Tipperary Division. the Drogheda branch of the Tom Ryan joined An Garda
During the 1930s he was association and was elected Síochána in 1943 and
promoted to inspector to the Central Committee retired as superintendent in
and superintendent ranks in 1975. At the ADM in 1981. A qualified barrister,
and in September 1965 Dublin in July, 1986, James he was a founder member
was elevated to chief Callery was elected president of the Garda Social Club,
superintendent. In March for a three year term. the National Federation
1967, he was promoted Dave Dillane Pensioners’ Association and
assistant commissioner and Dave Dillane was born in the Irish Senior Citizens
in May that year became Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry Parliament. Ryan was a
deputy garda commissioner. and joined An Garda member of the Central
He retired from the Force Síochána in 1952. He Committee of the Garda
on April 9th 1972 after won a County Football Pensioners’ Association for
completing 47 years and Championship medal twelve years. He was elected
four months service. with Leighlin Bridge while chairman between 1990 and
Following retirement stationed in Carlow in 1994 and president of the
he became a member of 1957. Two years later he Association for three years
13Fid eli ty an d Justi ce
1995 to 1998. Afterwards PJ Rogan in 1954 and was promoted was elected to the Central
he served as a trustee and PJ Rogan, a native of to sergeant six year later in Committee in 1999. He held
member of the Síocháin Foxford Co. Mayo, joined Dundalk. After a further the office of president from
editorial board. An Garda Síochána in 1956, ten years he was promoted 2006 to 2010.
serving in Fitzgibbon Street, to inspector and in 1977
Galway, and the Training he went to Tipperary town
Centre. His 1981 promotion as a superintendent. Chief
to inspector rank took him superintendent rank came in
to Garda HQ in Dublin. In 1989 when he took charge
1985 he went to Clonmel of Westmeath Division.
from where he retired a year He retired from An Garda
later. Rogan was general Síochána in 1993 and joined
secretary of the AGSI from the Athlone Branch giving
1983 to 1984. After retiring 12 years as branch secretary.
from the Force, he helped to Between 1996 and 2006,
establish a new branch for he was a member of the
the Garda Síochána Retired Central Committee and
Seán Murray Members’ Association in was president of the Garda
Seán Murray was a native Templemore. In 1988 he Síochána Retired Members’
of Cavan and joined An was elected to the Central Association from 2004 to
Garda Síochána in 1943. Committee and was 2006.
His service record spans chairman of the committee Tony Sourke
from Donegal, Castlebar, from 1995 to 1998. He was Pádraic Tony Sourke, a native of the
Galway, Clonmel and finally president of the association Costello seaside town of Rush, is the
retiring as district officer in from 2001 to 2004. His Pádraic Costello was a twelfth person to hold the
Fermoy in 1984. He was local branch, that he helped member of the AGSI office of president of Garda
secretary of the local branch to establish, now has a National Executive for Síochána Retired Members’
of the association and for membership of 60. three terms prior to retiring Association. Retiring as a
25 years looked after the from An Garda Síochána detective superintendent in
welfare of retired gardaí and as a detective inspector in 2003, he became active in
garda widows in the region. 1995. An active member of the Dublin West Branch of
In 1989, he was elected to the Dún Laoghaire Branch the association. He served
the Central Committee and of Garda Síochána Retired on Central Committees
served as president from Members’ Association he since 2004.
1998 to 2001.
John Hickey
John Hickey is a native of
Belgooley near Kinsale.
His father Tom was a
founding member of the
Force who served in nearby
Ballyfeard Station. John
joined An Garda Síochána
14F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
Chairpersons
Dublin. Promotion to years on the committee and for over 20 years on the
sergeant came in 1955, was chairman from 2001 AGSI National Executive.
followed by inspector rank until 2002. He was a great ambassador
in 1964 and superintendent for the AGSI while holding
in 1968. For many years their presidential office for
he was secretary of the seven years. After retiring
Garda Superintendents’ from An Garda Síochána in
Jim Fitzgerald Association. He retired 1998 he joined the GSRMA
Jim Fitzgerald was a high- from the Force in 1988 and elected to the Central
profile official with the and joined the Dublin Committee in 2000. He
Garda Representative Body South branch of the Garda was chairman of Central
until his retirement from the Síochána Pensioners’ Committee from 2004 to
Force in July 1977. Having Association. One year later, 2008.
given 12 years as chairman he was elected onto the
of the Garda RB his many Central Committee where
talents were sought by the he gave 12 years unbroken Jack Hennessy
Garda Síochána Pensioners’ service to the Association. Jack Hennessy retired as
Association. In 1979, He was chairman of the a detective inspector from
Fitzgerald, a member of the committee from 1998 to Garda Technical Bureau in
Naas Branch, was elected 2000. 1988. Since then he is a very
to the Central Committee. active member of the Naas
Immediately he was elected Branch. In 2000 he was
chairman and from that elected as a Leinster Rep.
position he steered our on the Central Committee
association for 12 years. and served three terms
A dedicated office holder, and served as chairman
he was highly respected by from 2002 to 2004. He
branch members. represented the association Cahal Murphy
on St Paul’s Medical Aid Cahal Murphy retired as a
Phil Callinan Board during his period on detective garda from Kevin
Phil Callinan, a native of the Central Committee. Street in 1991. Since his
Tipperary, joined An Garda retirement, he has given
Síochána in 1958. While huge energy to the Garda
on duty as a sergeant in Síochána Retired Members’
Tullow, Co. Carlow, on Association in Dublin
January 16th 1978, he was South Branch. In 2006, he
shot and seriously injured was elected to the Central
during a bank robbery. He Committee for a two year
Dave Devaney had a long association with term and held the office of
Dave Devaney, a native of the AGSI and was their treasurer. On his re-election
Tuam, Co Galway, joined president for two terms to the committee in 2008,
An Garda Síochána in from 1978 until 1982. After he was appointed chairman.
1944. His service record retiring from the Force he During 2008 to 2010, he
is like a geography map of was elected to the Central John Durcan shared his vast knowledge
Ireland, from Kerry to Cork, Committee of the Garda John Durcan represented on welfare and entitlements
Shannon, Birr, Abbeyleix, Síochána Retired Members’ the garda sergeants and with retired colleagues
Newbridge, Gorey and Association. He gave ten inspectors from Donegal countrywide.
15Fid eli ty an d Justi ce
Charlie In-Service for Louth/ where he is now branch
McCarron Meath in November secretary. He has served on
A native of the Orchard 2000. Afterwards, he the Central Committee of
County but now living became very active with the association since 2006.
in Co. Louth, Charlie the Dundalk Branch of the In 2010, he was appointed
McCarron retired as Garda Síochána Retired chairman.
sergeant-in-charge of Garda Members’ Association
GENERAL SECRETARIES
of Tralee, was a Weights with the Garda Síochána Association. In 1994, Don
and Measures inspector Pensioners’ Association. was promoted to the general
at Garda HQ until he He was employed at head secretary position and held
retired in 1977. In 1978, office from 1980 to 2000 the title for nine years.
he was appointed general serving for a lengthy period
secretary of Garda Síochána as general secretary and
Pensioners’ Association and association trustee. Frank
editor of Síocháin. He ran a White is the oldest surviving
very efficient central office general secretary.
for the association until he
retired as general secretary
in June, 1989. He continued
Thomas as editor of Síocháin until
Costello his untimely death in
Tom Costello was a native December, 1989.
of Co. Galway. He joined
the Force in 1922 with
Reg. No. 2861. He retired
as a sergeant from Carlow- Eddie O’
Kildare Division in 1963. Donovan
Between 1974 and 1976 he Eddie O’ Donovan is a
was general secretary to the native of Tralee where his
Association. Don Boyle father Dan served as a garda
Don Boyle was born in for many years. His father,
Dublin but reared on the who represented Kerry on
Curragh of Kildare where the Central Committee
his dad was an army officer. from 1979 to 1982 died
He joined An Garda in 2006 at the age of 104
Frank White Síochána in 1955 and spent years. Eddie, retired from
Frank White, a native of all his service in Detective the Garda Ministerial
Co. Sligo, played inter- Branch. While at Dublin Driving Pool in 1997 and
county football for Sligo Castle he was promoted in 2001 was appointed
and Donegal. He had a detective sergeant in 1965 deputy general secretary of
strong association with and in 1979 to detective the Garda Síochána Retired
the Garda Representative inspector. In 1990, he Members’ Association.
Association from the days retired from the force and During 2002 to 2004 he was
of the Conroy Commission. appointed assistant general general secretary and gave a
Dan Spillane He retired from the Force secretary for the Garda further four years as editor
Dan Spillane, a native in 1978 and became active Síochána Retired Members’ of Síocháin.
16F i de l i t y a nd Just i ce
Central Committee and
branch secretaries. Gerard is
Administrative Staff
now employed part-time as
assistant general secretary.
Gerard Lovett
Gerard Lovett, a native
of Ballingeary, Co. Cork, John Duffy
retired in 2004 as a John Duffy retired as an
detective inspector with John Rafter inspector in 2002 after Geraldine
the Special Detective Unit. John Rafter is a Dubliner spending his final eight Kirwan
He was appointed general who in December 2010 years as Garda Archivist Geraldine Kirwan is a native
secretary of the association retired as a sergeant from and Curator in the Garda of Carlow and following
in January 2005 and held Change Management Museum. Immediately, he resignation from An Garda
the position for six years. Section of Garda HQ. He took up the role as deputy Síochána where she served
His thorough understanding is now general secretary of general secretary for the in Garda HQ she joined
of the association and IT the Garda Síochána Retired association and gave eight the association as office
skills were a great asset to Members’ Association. years in the position. administrator in 2004.
our name and unity. The black motif is a symbolic tribute to our dead
comrades. The motto is loyalty and justice.
A new name for new generation
In 1988, the Kildare branch submitted a motion for debate our chain
at the ADM to change the name to ‘Association of Retired
Gardaí’. History of the Chain
Michael Bohan from Drogheda,
It was clear from the debate that the younger members of became a member of the Central
the association were not happy with the word ‘pensioners’ Committee in 1989. Shortly afterwards
as it made them seem prematurely old. However, the ‘Old he proposed that the president should
Guard’ of the Garda Síochána Pensioners’ Association had wear a chain of office while attending official functions.
muscle and the motion was defeated. It was almost a decade His dream became a reality for the 30th anniversary of the
later that a similar motion appeared on the conference Association, in 1991. Chairman Tom Ryan had the pleasure
clár for debate. This time many branches were in favour of presenting the new chain of office to President Paddy
of changing the name but it took a few more years to Driscoll.
finally agree on a new title. On January 1st 2002, the name
was changed to the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ The chain was designed by Mr Lua Breen, Dunfanaghy,
Association (GSRMA). Co. Donegal. His intention in designing the chain, was
to project the Association as a modern progressive body,
our crest yet mindful of its history. The overall medal shape has
The official crest of the association a symmetry which is reminiscent of John Maxwell’s
was designed by Mrs Liddy, daughter- original garda badge design but with a simpler and more
in-law of President Seán Liddy. The contemporary approach. The overall ‘square circle’ shape
central theme is the dove, a symbol of suggests discipline and restrained power. The incorporated
peace. The black belt suggests strength Dove of Peace is a fitting symbol and the blue enamel
17Fid eli ty an d Justi ce
depicts the uniform colour. The black enamel is a reminder Maureen Browne, writing in The Irish Press on Saturday,
of deceased members. The whole chain of office, with 30 November 23rd 1968, reminds us of how the first
plates, is fabricated in gold-plated sterling silver with an generation of retired gardaí were easily recognised “by their
enamelled crest. The association crest and motto are upright posture, a familiar blue shirt and a way of looking
hand engraved. you straight in the eye. We know them and meet them every
day strolling through our city streets, tending their gardens
our website or working in some part-time jobs”.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the Garda
Síochána Retired Members’ Association launched the Some of us, in the Garda Síochána Retired Members
www.gardaretired.com website to improve our service. The Association, may remember the harsh conditions the first
site was designed by James O’ Sullivan and Jamjodesign at generation of gardaí had to contend with. The ‘Barrack
Inniscarra Co. Cork. Regulations’ which hung in every station, were invoked
to keep the member in his place, governing not only his
1922 Commemorative working hours but his domestic and social life. Roll call
Medals at 11pm; 24-hours leave per month; permission to wear
civvies; permission to marry; divine service parades;
While An Garda Síochána was celebrating its 70th unlimited working hours; transfer without explanation – all
anniversary in 1992, Commissioner Patrick Culligan for £3 to £4.50 per week.
honoured 29 surviving members of An Garda Síochána who
were founding members of the Force. The garda veterans Central Committee 2010-2012
were invited to a special function at the Garda College and
each was presented with 1922 commemorative medals.
Later that year, Her Excellency, President Mary Robinson,
invited these garda veterans to Áras an Uachtaráin to
officially thank them for their garda
service. James Phelan, (Reg. No.
363) the senior man present made a
presentation to President Robinson.
Founding Members were easily
recognised. Both spent many years
building up the Association in
Thurles and mid Tipperary.
Front row (L-R): John Rafter (Gen. Sec.), Gerard Blake
(Treasurer), Charlie McCarron (Chairman), Tony Sourke
(President), Grace Lyden (Vice-President), Pádraic Costello,
John Durcan.
Back row (L-R): Tim Bowe, Tom Griffin, Christy Lonergan,
Noel McCarthy, Paschal Feeney, Noel Campbell, John
Hartigan, Pat Lehane, Fintan Dunne (insertion).
Editorial Comment
This history was researched by Tim Bowe, Cork City Branch
Secretary GSRMA, and a member of the Central Committee
since 2010. He wishes to acknowledge the cooperation given
by Sergeant Paul Maher, Curator of Garda Museum Dublin
Castle, the Central Committee and Head Office Staff GSRMA.
Above: Founding members Patrick Wall, Reg. No. 3924 (on The research is ongoing and updates may appear on our new
left) and Michael J. Reidy, Reg. No. 6293. website www.gardaretired.com
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