Curtin, John David

jcurtin

Name: Curtin, John David

Rank: Superintendent

Reg No: 783

Station: Tipperary

Years of Service: 9

Background:
John (Sean) Curtin, born on 10th October, 1902, came from Meengorman, Newmarket, Co. Cork. The son of a farmer he was identified as active in Ireland’s fight for independence. He joined An Garda Síochána on 15th April, 1922. He was promoted Sergeant in October, 1922 serving in Donegal. Promotion to Inspector followed in June 1923, followed by a period attached to the Depot, Phoenix Park. He was promoted Superintendent on 1st July, 1926 and served at Manorhamilton, Granard and Killarney. On marriage he was transferred to Tipperary. His transfer was made the occasion for special recommendation by the Urban District Council on his good police work in Killarney, involving the investigation of a bank robbery in Killarney (1927), the investigation of threatening letters and the enforcement of the Fishery Laws. Superintendent Curtin was married. He had no children.

Circumstances:

In March 1931 Superintendent Curtin arrested members of a subversive organisation on firearms charges and gave evidence in subsequent court proceedings. On 21st March, 1931, on returning from carrying out late night inspections, he stopped his car at the entrance to his home to open the gates when he was ambushed and shot dead.