A very special event took place last Friday June 13th in Kilmeedy. We commemorated the Centenary of An Garda Síochána and honoured the Sergeants and Gardai who served at the Kilmeedy Barracks.
The first assignment of Gardaí came to Kilmeedy on 13th June 1923 with one Sergeant (from Lisselton) and two Gardai (from Moyvane and Kildare). They took up residence at the home presently owned by the O’Gorman family. Gardaí remained there until 1933 when the new station was built by JM O’Keeffe of Mallow.
The building was a functional Garda Barracks until it was closed in November 2012. During that period, 1923-2012, 19 Sergeants and 31 Gardaí served in Kilmeedy.
The people of Kilmeedy and surrounding areas owe a huge debt of gratitude to all these Gardaí who served us so faithfully during their period here. They were very much part of the community and greatly respected. We, the community, were privileged to have Gardaí and their families in residence at the Barracks for many years.
The ceremony commenced at the O’Gorman house where a Plaque was unveiled by Superintendent Michael Fleming to mark the first residence of Gardaí in Kilmeedy. This was followed by a Ceremonial Parade to the Barracks. Pipers led the way followed by the Ceremonial Garda Unit, the Garda Mounted Unit of two Gardaí on horseback, some retired Gardai, pupils from Kilmeedy and Feenagh National Schools, politicians, dignitaries and the general public.
There was a large gathering of people at the Barracks including retired Gardaí and their families who had travelled from many parts of the country, active members of the forces, friends and colleagues.
Professor Liam Irwin was M.C. for the event and he gave an informative and interesting outline of the history of policing up to the present day. This was followed by the unveiling of three stones by Chief Superintendent Derek Smart. These stones were inscribed with the names and addresses of all the Sergeants and Gardaí who served there. A special wreath was laid in their honour. Sergeant David Callanan raised The National Flag as Amhrán na bhFiann was played.
Speeches were made by Deputy Mayor of Limerick Dan Mc Sweeney, Patrick O’Donovan, Niall Collins and Richard O’Donoghue. Also present was Michael Mc Namara, MEP, whose grandfather had served at the Barracks. Six sitting County Councillors were present: Francis Foley, Jerome Scanlan, Liam Galvin, John Sheehan, Tom Ruddle and Michael Collins. These Councillors helped with the funding of this event from their Municipal Fund and for that we are truly grateful.
Presentations of Centenary Medals and Certificates by Chief Superintendent Derek Smart were made to a number of retired Gardai and their families.
All this was followed by an afternoon of refreshments and music provided by Sergeant Diarmuid O’Brien from Listowel, retired Garda John Fitzgerald, the Hunt family, Donal and Stephen.
Thanks to the hard working Committees of Kilmeedy Tidy Towns and Kilmeedy Community Development Group for the huge effort made in preparation for the event. A special thanks to retired Garda George Daly and local man Con O’Regan for all their work in researching the names and years of service of all the Gardaí.
A huge thanks to all who came out and supported this event. Special thanks to the pupils and staff of Kilmeedy and Feenagh NS for their participation. It certainly will be a day to remember for years to come!
Míle Buíochas Daoibh Go Léir