TRIBUTE The Byrne family, Paul, Aisling, Henry, and Ann and the Morley family Francis, Gillian, Shane and Gordon at the memorial honouring the late Det Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne. Pic: Liam Reynolds
Michael Commins
A monument in memory of Det Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne was unveiled by Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan, at Shannon’s Cross near Loughglynn last Friday. It was here on that fateful afternoon of July 7, 1980, that both men were shot dead by raiders, who a short time earlier had robbed the Bank of Ireland in Ballaghaderreen.
John Morley was 37 and one of the best known members of An Garda Síochána in the country due to his high profile as a Mayo and Connacht senior footballer. He was married to Frances Mannion from Collooney and they had three children, Shane, Gordon and Gillian.
Henry Byrne from Knock was just 29 and was stationed in Castlerea. He was married to Anne Carty from Knock. They had two sons, Paul (5) and Henry (4), and Ann was expecting Aisling at the time. She was born just a few months later.
The committee members behind the commemoration monument were Brendan Gordon, Michael Creaton, Kevin Murtagh, Martin Freeman and Martin Duggan. Brendan was also compere and host for the ceremony on Friday which was attended by around 400 people, including several serving and retired members of An Garda Siochána.
Shane Morley, son of the late John, and who was just ten at the time, said this monument will always be a reminder to current and future generations of what took place at Shannon’s Cross in 1980.
He lauded the organising committee and the people of the area for all they had done and also the sculptor Michael Carney along with Frank McNulty and others who worked so hard on bringing it to fruition. He singled out retired garda Martin Duggan (Castlerea and Bekan) for his constant friendship and great help for the family.
Passionate
Shane said his late father, while being a passionate GAA man, also had many other sporting interests, including being deeply involved in Community Games in Co Roscommon. “He had a terrific sense of humour and was a great community man,” reflected Shane.
He referred to the enduring friendship with the Byrnes’ and stated “you could not meet a nicer family than the Byrne family.”
Shane reserved special words for his mother Frances. “She has been a fantastic lady and we thank her for all the work she has done to us. Mam, we love you to bits.”
Paul Byrne, son of the late Henry, thanked all associated with the ‘beautiful and fitting monument’. He welcomed members from the Byrne and Morley family circles as well as retired garda, Derek O’Kelly, and family representatives of the late Gda Michael O’Malley who were in the patrol car on that fateful day.
Paul had special words for all the members of the Byrne and Carty families who were always there for them. “We can never forget the tremendous support ye all gave us over the years.”
In one of the most poignant contributions of the ceremony, Paul turned to his mother Anne and said: “I have no idea how you managed back then. You raised us with no bitterness or animosity. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate that.”
Assistant Garda Commissioner, Ann Marie McMahon, said it was vital to keep the memory of Henry Byrne and John Morley alive and the events of that day back in 1980. “Four members of An Garda Siochana from Castlerea answered the call and encountered the raiders at this spot. They were fired upon and we all know what happened.
“Listening to people here today, I have been really moved by the level of support and genuine appreciation for the job our members do. When we are called out, we don’t know what we are going to be faced with but we do it anyway. For the vast majority of the time, we do a pretty decent job.”
Shockwaves
Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan, spoke of the shockwaves that reverberated around Ireland when news broke of the tragedy at Shannon’s Cross. He had special words of welcome for the Byrne and Morley families and their friends and paid tribute to the other 86 members of the Garda Síochána who had lost through violence over the decades.
“Those were dark days and, because of the incredible courage shown by the Gardai and the Defence Forces, in our not so distant past, we can live our lives in the peace we have today. They stood firm in defence of our democratic values. The bravery and dedication to duty that was displayed in the facing down of that threat to the democratic institutions was immense and in direct contrast to the cowardice of those who sought to undermine our way of life.
“This monument that we unveil today will ensure that the names of John Morley and Henry Byrne, proud members of the Garda Síochána, will endure through the ages in the national memory. And when we pass this monument, we will bow our heads as a mark of respect to two members who gave their lives in the protection of us, the citizens of Ireland.”
A special blessing ceremony was held just after the unveiling while members of the Army Band played a lovely selection of Irish airs.
A book commemorating the events of 1980 and in tribute to John and Henry was also launched on Friday. It was printed by KPS (Knock) and words of thanks were extended to Sinéad Mallee and the Salmon family for the quality of their work.
The Loughglynn committee provided a splendid sit-down meal for a few hundred people in the local Community Centre after the ceremonies at Shannon’s Cross.
