List of Gardaí killed in the line of duty

Last updated

Memorial in Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park Garda memorial, Garda HQ.jpg
Memorial in Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park
Memorial in Dublin Castle gardens Sculpture in Dubhlinn Gardens.jpg
Memorial in Dublin Castle gardens
The Garda Siochana Memorial Garden, Dublin Castle The Dubhlinn Gardens Garda Memorial Garden 04.JPG
The Garda Síochána Memorial Garden, Dublin Castle
Roll of honour at the Garda Museum; it only lists names up to 1940. Roll of honour - Gardai killed on duty.jpg
Roll of honour at the Garda Museum; it only lists names up to 1940.

This is a list of Garda officers killed in the line of duty since the establishment of the Garda Síochána in 1922. The list includes all Gardaí who were killed in the service of the state (accidentally and unlawfully), as per the official Garda Síochána Roll of Honour. [1] [2] The list does not include members of previous police services or other law enforcement agencies in the Republic of Ireland, nor those in Northern Ireland.

Contents

At least 23 serving Gardaí have been killed by individuals or groups associated with the Republican paramilitary groups, [3] this being the most common cause of death apart from accidents.

The most recent death was that of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was killed in June 2020, becoming the 89th member of the force to die on duty. [4]

Garda Síochána Roll of Honour

Note: Coloured rows denotes when officers were killed in the same incident.

NameRankReg. No.AgeDate of deathCircumstancesLocation
Colm Horkan Detective26225M4917 June 2020Murdered after being disarmed and shot with his own service pistol, during an incident on a mobile anti-crime patrol [5] Castlerea, County Roscommon
Tony Golden Garda29909L3611 October 2015Murdered while attending a domestic dispute by dissident republican Adrian Crevan Mackin, who also shot and critically injured his partner before taking his own life [6] Omeath, County Louth
Adrian Donohoe Detective26222F4125 January 2013Murdered by a criminal gang with links to dissident republicans during a credit union robbery Jenkinstown, County Louth
Ciaran JonesGarda34104E2524 October 2011Accidentally swept away and drowned during floods while trying to warn motorists of the danger Kilbride, County Wicklow
Gary McLoughlinGarda31917A2412 December 2009Unlawfully killed after the vehicle he was pursuing rammed his vehicle intentionally Bridgend, County Donegal
Robbie McCallion Garda31285A297 April 2009Killed after being hit by a vehicle driven by fleeing suspect he and colleagues were attempting to apprehend while stealing another vehicle Letterkenny, County Donegal
Brian KelleherGarda23037E4625 February 2007Accidentally killed by a vehicle while directing traffic away from the scene of an accident, fireman Michael Liston also died Foynes, County Limerick
Paul ColleranGarda26973E275 March 2003Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision travelling from court to Garda station Kinnegad, County Westmeath
Michael John PaddenGarda27477A2714 April 2002Killed in a vehicle collision attempting to intercept the vehicle of a robbery suspect Stillorgan, County Dublin
Tony TigheGarda17644C5314 April 2002Killed in a vehicle collision attempting to intercept the vehicle of a robbery suspect Stillorgan, County Dublin
John Nicholas EiffeDetective Sergeant22294A407 December 2001Shot dead in a friendly fire incident during an arrest operation for the Garda National Surveillance Unit Abbeyleix, County Laois
Desmond John DixonDetective23363C4015 November 2001Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on duty for the Garda National Surveillance Unit Dundalk, County Louth
James Brendan McIntyreGarda26361C2922 April 2001Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on mobile patrol Ballyvolane, County Cork
George Brendan RiceGarda22336M4422 April 2001Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on mobile patrol Ballyvolane, County Cork
Conor Oliver GriffinGarda27489E2515 May 2000Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while responding to a callout Finglas, County Dublin
Garreth Noel HarmonGarda26650G2815 May 2000Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while responding to a callout Finglas, County Dublin
Ambrose FogartyGarda26178E2726 September 1999Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while responding to Gardaí in distress Enniscorthy, County Wexford
Richard Joseph NolanGarda21244L4226 September 1999Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while responding to Gardaí in distress Enniscorthy, County Wexford
Andrew John CallananSergeant22477D3621 July 1999Set alight with petrol by deranged man who entered a Garda station, suffering fatal wounds Tallaght, County Dublin
Eoin Peter FitzgeraldGarda26158M2526 January 1998Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on patrol Blackrock, County Dublin
Jeremiah Desmond McCabe Detective15860G537 June 1996Vehicle rammed, shot dead by Provisional IRA members during a cash-in-transit robbery Adare, County Limerick
Paul Michael ReidDetective Sergeant20655E3918 May 1995Suffered fatal injuries after being shot at by a sniper, causing him to crash the vehicle he was driving (on duty with the United Nations Protection Force) Sarajevo ( Bosnia and Herzegovina )
Michael Joseph LawlessGarda17751B4120 January 1993Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while en route to a union meeting Cliffoney, County Sligo
William Anthony RocheGarda21738G331 August 1992Accidentally killed by a vehicle while investigating a road traffic collision Newbridge, County Kildare
Declan RoeGarda23595D2913 July 1992Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on road patrol New Ross, County Wexford
John Edward LinehanGarda24015L299 June 1992Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on official motorcycle training Tullamore, County Offaly
Joseph F.X. WilkinsonGarda13716B5214 February 1990Accidentally killed in a road traffic incident while transferring a prisoner Cashel, County Tipperary
John McMahonGarda15062B4727 January 1990Accidentally run over while on foot investigating criminal damage Carlow, County Carlow
David Brian DowdGarda22762E2618 February 1989Accidentally killed when hit by a train while pursuing thieves on foot Sutton Park, County Dublin
Cyril Patrick HickeyGarda24131H258 December 1988Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while riding a motorcycle for the Garda Traffic Corps South Quays, County Dublin
Noel Martin ConroyGarda19207D3628 October 1988Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on official motorcycle training with the Garda Traffic Corps Birr, County Offaly
Patrick Joseph Morrissey Sergeant14545K4927 June 1985Murdered by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) following a bank robbery Ardee, County Louth
Frank Hand Detective20594L2610 August 1984Ambushed and killed by the Provisional IRA while on cash escort duty for the Garda Special Branch Drumree, County Meath
Gary Sheehan Recruit23589L2316 December 1983Fatally shot during the Don Tidey kidnapping by the Provisional IRA, Private Patrick Kelly (Irish Army) also killed Ballinamore, County Leitrim
Denis Alphonsus ConnollyGarda20676H2511 July 1983Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on duty with the Garda Traffic Corps Lemybrien, County Waterford
Declan Francis O'ConnorGarda21517A2417 May 1983Accidentally died after a road traffic incident on his motorcycle escorting a motorcade Ballygall, County Dublin
Thomas J.A. LawnDetective21096L2727 April 1983Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on duty for the Garda Special Task Force Clontarf, County Dublin
Patrick Noel McLoughlinSergeant14679L4111 April 1983Murdered at his home during the night by an assailant who fired from outside Dunboyne, County Meath
John Joseph BrennanSergeant16595F374 August 1982Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision on patrol Naas, County Kildare
Nathy CawleyGarda16262M3724 February 1982Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while in a military explosives convoyBroomfield, County Monaghan
Patrick RuttledgeGarda17003H3424 February 1982Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while in a military explosives convoyBroomfield, County Monaghan
Patrick Gerald ReynoldsGarda21281D2320 February 1982Fatally shot by an Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) gunman after investigating a report of suspicious activity Tallaght, County Dublin
James Gerard DowneyGarda20018B2612 February 1982Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while en route to specialist training Blackrock, County Dublin
Seamus Quaid Detective13497G4213 October 1980Shot dead by a member of the Provisional IRA during an exchange of gunfire after stopping a vehicle containing explosives Cleariestown, County Wexford
Henry Gerard Byrne Garda18300H287 July 1980Shot dead by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) following a bank robbery Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon
John F. Morley Detective15543H377 July 1980Shot dead by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) following a bank robbery Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon
Michael Augustine Clerkin Garda18189G2416 October 1976Killed after entering a premises boobytrapped (IED) by the Provisional IRA, other colleagues seriously injured Portarlington, County Laois
Michael Joseph Reynolds Garda17673G3011 September 1975Shot in the head (off-duty) after following an armed gang who had robbed a bank Killester, County Dublin
Walter James HennellyGarda18137D2213 May 1974Accidentally struck down and killed by a vehicle at a road checkpoint Limerick, County Limerick
John Martin LallyGarda17992B215 May 1973Knocked down and killed while on foot at a checkpoint Dundalk, County Louth
James DoodyGarda16116M287 January 1973Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while responding to an emergency Cork, County Cork
Brian A. MacNeillGarda12689F4223 October 1972Accidentally killed after being hit by a vehicle while conducting a roadside checkpoint Charlestown, County Mayo
Samuel Donegan Inspector8586608 June 1972Killed by an IED laid by the Provisional IRA during a Garda/Defence Forces cross border searchNear Wattlebridge, County Fermanagh ( Northern Ireland, United Kingdom )
Patrick WatersSergeant101144518 November 1971Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while responding to an emergency call Sligo, County Sligo
Richard Christopher Fallon Garda9936433 April 1970Shot dead by members of Saor Éire during a bank robbery Arran Quay, County Dublin
Seán MastersonGarda14676E2826 January 1970Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision on a motorcycle while on traffic duty Naas Road, County Dublin
Michael JoyceSergeant65876221 December 1967Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while en route to apprehend a fugitive Balbriggan, County Dublin
John Michael FitzsimonsSergeant10543M3315 March 1963Accidentally stuck down and killed by a vehicle while investigating a road traffic collision Monasterevin, County Kildare
John FlynnDetective10445M3216 November 1961Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while escorting a prisoner Daingean, County Offaly
Thomas Michael O'DriscollGarda106982622 January 1958Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on counter-IRA patrol Redhills, County Cavan
Vincent RyanGarda100942918 September 1954Accidentally killed in a road traffic collision while on motorcycle traffic duty Killiney, County Dublin
Patrick FoleyGarda87865611 November 1953Accidentally killed by a vehicle while on foot patrol Ardnacrusha, County Clare
Richard CodySergeant1315558 April 1952Accidentally killed by a vehicle while on pedestrian duty Tullow, County Carlow
Seán GantlyChief Superintendent48044921 January 1948Shot dead accidentally during a search by detectives for escaped prisoners, was head of Garda Special Branch Dublin Docklands, County Dublin
James ByrneGarda77793825 September 1946Shot dead while on plainclothes protection duty by a fellow officer, who was convicted of murder Pallasgreen, County Limerick
Denis HarringtonGarda40344417 April 1944Shot dead by a fellow officer in his Garda station, who then killed himself (murder-suicide) Nenagh, County Tipperary
George MordauntDetective67124524 October 1942Shot dead during a raid on an IRA safe house by Garda Special Branch. An IRA member was subsequently executed for his role in the shooting. [7] Donnycarney, County Dublin
Michael WalshDetective6658411 October 1942Shot dead attempting to apprehend a wanted criminal in a house raid Kilnaleck, County Cavan
Denis O'Brien Detective Sergeant8288439 September 1942Ambushed and assassinated by the Anti-Treaty IRA at home because of his work for the Garda Special Branch Ballyboden, County Dublin
Richard HylandDetective83333616 August 1940Shot dead by members of the Anti-Treaty IRA during a Garda Special Branch raid Rathgar, County Dublin
Patrick McKeownDetective Sergeant11919 (DMP)3916 August 1940Shot dead by members of the Anti-Treaty IRA during a Garda Special Branch raid Rathgar, County Dublin
John Gerald O'DonnellGarda64813519 July 1940Accidentally drowned after saving two girls from drowning at sea Ballybunion, County Kerry
John Roche Detective4905343 January 1940Shot dead after stopping and attempting to question a member of the Anti-Treaty IRA on the street St. Patrick's Street, Cork
Patrick FordeSergeant58023018 January 1934Accidentally drowned after the vehicle left the road following a patient transfer Connemara, County Galway
Michael Joseph KennellyGarda14083818 January 1934Accidentally drowned after the vehicle left the road following a patient transfer Connemara, County Galway
Eugene McCarthyGarda7912258 January 1933Accidentally drowned after rescuing a person from a riverGeorge's Quay, County Cork
Patrick McGeehanDetective77942814 February 1932Fatally wounded after attempting to shield Patrick Reynolds from assassination while on close protection duty Ballinamore, County Leitrim
John David CurtinSuperintendent7832821 March 1931Ambushed and assassinated by members of the Anti-Treaty IRA for his work combatting them Tipperary, County Tipperary
Timothy O'SullivanDetective66703211 June 1929Suffered fatal injuries following an IED explosion, which was set as a targeted trap Knock, County Clare
William NolanGarda11369 (DMP)3319 August 1928Accidentally killed by a vehicle while directing traffic on foot Stillorgan, County Dublin
James FitzsimonsSergeant25662314 November 1926Murdered in his Garda station by members of the Anti-Treaty IRA Cork, County Cork
Hugh WardGarda56632914 November 1926Murdered in his Garda station by members of the Anti-Treaty IRA Hollyford, County Tipperary
John Alphonsus MurrinGarda39192619 October 1924Fatally shot by an individual while entering a premises to investigate a shooting incident (died some months later) Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary
Thomas GriffinSergeant814256 May 1924Fatally shot by an individual while entering a premises to investigate a shooting incident (died soon after) Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary
Arthur NolanDetective11993 (DMP)3911 March 1924Struck over the head with a hatchet in his Garda station on 29 February 1924 by an intruder and died on 11 March, worked for Dublin Metropolitan Police Pearse Street, County Dublin
Patrick O'HalloranGarda6512729 January 1924Shot dead at point-blank range pursuing armed criminal bank raiders Baltinglass, County Wicklow
James WoodsSergeant2358233 December 1923Murdered in his Garda station after resisting an armed raid by insurgentsScartaglen, County Kerry
Henry PhelanGarda13472114 November 1922Murdered in a sports shop by armed Anti-Treaty IRA intruders Mullinahone, County Tipperary
Charles EastwoodCivic Guard10171920 September 1922Accidentally shot dead by a colleagueShip Street Barracks, Dublin

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "An Garda Síochána Roll of Honour List" (PDF). 2010. An Garda Síochána. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Garda Siochana Roll of Honour". 2013. Police History. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  3. ↑ "Terrorism". Dept of Justice and Equality. Archived from the original on 20 December 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  4. ↑ "Garda killed in shooting tragedy named as Detective Garda Colm Horkan". The Connaught Telegraph. 18 June 2020. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  5. ↑ "Murdered officer was 'one of nature's gentlemen'". BBC News. 21 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  6. ↑ "Garda killer Adrian Crevan Mackin cremated in Belfast". irishtimes.com. Irish Times. 17 October 2017. Archived from the original on 8 February 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2019. Dissident republican murdered Garda Tony Golden in Co Louth last week
  7. ↑ "TG4 documentary on O'Neill execution". independent.ie. Independent News & Media. 27 April 2011. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
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