RIP: Body found in search for missing man (63) as heartbreaking statement is issued
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10 Mar 2026
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10 Mar 2026
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The men who murdered Knock-parish natives Det Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne in 1980 have been freed
Garda murderers released from prison
Michael Commins
TWO men who were convicted for the capital murder of Knock parish natives, Det Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne on July, 7, 1980, have been freed from prison.
According to a report yesterday (Monday) by Tom Brady, security editor with the Irish Independent, Colm O’Shea from Sunday’s Well, Cork and Patrick McCann from Dungarvan were quietly released from jail over two months ago. Originally sentenced to death, this was later commuted to 40 years imprisonment.
As a result of a ruling by the Supreme Court last July, normal remission criteria now applies and O’Shea and McCann were able to benefit from the ruling and secure early release.
The shootings, which took place at Shannon’s Cross not far from Loughglynn, happened when the garda patrol car intercepted the raiders after a robbery at the Bank of Ireland in nearby Ballaghaderreen.
It was a tragedy that stunned the country and thousands attended the funeral ceremonies in Knock.
Det Garda John Morley was a leading Mayo and Connacht footballer in the 1960s and a member of the team that won the National League in 1970.
The Mayo News understands that the Morley and Byrnes families were made fully aware by the Government and the Department of the impending release of Patrick McCann and Colm O’Shea during the summer.
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