Then & Now: Hats off to a century of service in Limerick

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 was a memorable day in the history of famed Ardagh village as the 100 years anniversary of An Garda Siochana arrival on September 29, 1923, was marked jointly by St Kierans Development Association and members of the gardai past and present.

A large crowd attended to witness the proceedings as they unfolded for the march from the Ardagh Railway Station to the site of the former garda barracks at Ardvone a short distance from Reerasta Fort where the Ardagh Chalice was discovered in September 1868.

The weather was a blessing being dry, calm and mild for the outdoor events which commenced at 1.10pm and concluded at the hall for refreshments over one hour later.

Chairperson John P O'Sullivan opened proceedings at the railway station by welcoming all members of the present gardai, past members and family members plus representatives of deceased members, and politicians. John Cussen, Newcastle West historian acted as district justice, doing a re-enactment of their arrival by welcoming Garda Stephen Walsh grandson of Sergeant Christy Walsh who served for many years in the village. John as he stood near the timber (tree) replica of the Ardagh Chalice spoke about its importance and hoping that it may return to Ardagh. The 15 member Garda Band plus two mounted gardai and the six ceremonial gardai led off the march from the greenway car park followed by past members of the gardai, Ardagh school teachers/ pupils, heritage members and members of the general public.

First stop was outside St Molua's Church to honour the 175th anniversary of the presentation to William Smith O'Brien and the Young Irelanders by the French of the Irish Tricolour, the green white and orange. It was first raised in the mall Waterford by Thomas Meagher. John Hough gave a quick introduction on the arrival of the guards and the Irish tricolour. Fr Michael Noonan spoke about the peace between the nationalists and unionists and blessed the newly installed holder for the tricolour.

Chief Superintendent Derek Smart spoke about the first and last guards who served in Ardagh, retired members and all deceased members around the country. He thanked all who made the day possible. Chief Superintendent Derek Smart then laid a wreath there and Sergeant David Callanan raised the tricolour from half mast. The Garda Band followed with Reveille, drum solo, Last Post and Amhran na bhFiann.

The marching group continued through Ardagh village as householders came out to watch and traffic was stopped as they made their way through the lights at the top cross junction to their destination. The present house owners Paddy and Kathleen Daly welcomed all at the door of their bungalow which replaced the demolished two story barracks that was divided in two, to house a garda and family. Garda Michael O'Sullivan and his family were the last occupants at the time of the fire. John Hough addressed the crowd again giving some background information on the three best known garda who served in Ardagh namely Martin Kelly, Christy Walsh and Michael O'Sullivan. Also, its history up to the fire which burned the building down on November 10, 1959, and the three school going pupils John Dillane, Frank O'Connor and Joe Crowley who witnessed the fire. The band once again entertained the crowd before marching back to the hall for light refreshments.

The medal and certification presentation involving Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, Superintendent Ollie Kennedy, and Inspector Gearoid Thompson followed with input from John Hough and Sergeant Dermot Cummins.

Presentations were made to family members of Christy Walsh (Christopher Walsh, son), Martin Kelly (Martin O’Connell, grandson), Bernard Duffy (Peg Kelly, daughter), James Kelly (Noel Kelly, son), James Walsh (son, home from USA and his sister-in-law wife of Garda James Walsh son).

Denis Mangan, Maurice Cotter and Con Callaghan accepted theirs and others were to absent Vincent Mc Coy, (John P O'Sullivan), Michael J O'Sullivan (Dan Madigan), Michael O'Connor (Moira O'Donovan).

There was a brilliant display of material relating to the 100 years anniversary from the pupils of Ardagh, Carrigkerry and Kilcolman schools on view at the hall entrance area which was highly complimented on. The Heritage Association would like to thank the three schools, teachers and all the pupils who entered the competition. It was judged the previous evening and first place awarded to Charlotte Lenihan, Saoirse O'Grady, Michael Shiels and Martha Keane for their magnificent life size creation of three guards in full uniform which attracted a lot of admirers.

Pat Kirby from Ogonnelloe in County Clare put on a wonderful display of material connected to the gardai in County Clare and countrywide at the hall entrance. Display of RIC, Civic Guards, An Garda Siochana memorabilia, rifles, guns, phones, medals, etc.

George Daly who served in Newcastle West Station up to his retirement over 20 years ago played a major part in organising the exhibition and supplying his uniform etc for display plus a 100-year-old bicycle. Thanks to others who supplied material and photographs relating to the people associated with the guards in Ardagh Barracks.

Chairperson John P O'Sullivan wrapped up proceedings by thanking all who had a hand in organising the day. All the members of the gardai and their representatives, Moira and all the kitchen staff who helped out, Councillor Michael Collins who gave a donation for the new flagpole. He looked forward to another celebration in 2024 with William Smith O'Brien's 160 anniversary.
Sergeant Dermot Cummins is to be complimented for the part he played in the successful running of the events with his fellow officers. It was lovely to see former members from Newcastle West garda district present. John Forde formerly from Rooskagh who was the only Garda Superintendent and assistant to serve under four garda commissioners came from Dublin for the anniversary. Thanks to all past members and family members who travelled long distances to attend and members of the Garda Band, mounted unit and ceremonial marchers to enrich the day with their presence.

John Cussen and Garda Stephen Walsh for the re-enactment to commence proceedings and Paddy and Kathleen Daly for inviting guests into their yard, the site of the garda barracks.

In conversation with George Daly, he said it was one of the very best events in the past year that he attended to mark the 100 year anniversary of the formation of the civic guards in February 1922 by Michael Collins.

On the same day in Cork city a new bronze statue was unveiled to Michael Collins in Grand Parade at the scene of one of his most famous public orations. It shows him standing alongside a bicycle. He used to ride around Dublin on a Pierce bicycle despite their being a bounty on his head. It was nice to see a bicycle on display on the day linking both events.

On behalf of St Kieran's Heritage Association, a huge thanks to all for their input into the day, which was an outstanding success, well beyond our expectations. It is rare that a small village in west Limerick can lay claim that the Garda Band marched through the main street stopping all traffic on a dry mild calm October afternoon.