The Fallen: Gardai Killed in Service 1922-49

In 1922 the fledgling Irish Free State decided to replace the RIC with the Civic Guard (An Garda Síochána). This new Irish police force found itself dealing with an unsettled population, many of whom were suspicions of law and order after centuries of forceful policing by the British. It was decided that the Gardaí would uphold the law with the consent of the people however, and that they would remain unarmed. This brave decision may have been popular with ordinary Irishmen and women, but it left members of the force vulnerable to attack and even murder. Many Gardaí met their death in the first decades of the Irish State. This is their story.

COLM WALLACE is a native of Renvyle, Co. Galway. Married with four children, he works as a national school teacher locally and has completed a Masters in History at the University of Galway. His book, Sentenced to Death (Somerville Press) was widely featured in the national press and radio. His feature articles have been published in The Irish Times, Sunday World, thejournal.ie and Ireland's Own.