Dowling, Thomas

tdowling

Name: Dowling, Thomas

Rank: Garda

Reg No: 5708

Station: Fanore, Co. Clare

Years of Service: 2

Background: Thomas Dowling, born on 5th July, 1896, came from 7, High Street, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. Having previously worked as a carpenter, he had been involved in the struggle for Irish Independence and subsequently joined the National Army achieving the rank of Lieutenant. During his military service he was wounded in an ambush near Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. He joined An Garda Síochána on 26th March, 1924. Garda Dowling was an only son. He was single.

Circumstances:

On 28th December, 1925, Garda Dowling, in the company of another member, was returning to Fanore Garda Station after some hours on cycle patrol duty in the neighbouring District, when passing Craggagh graveyard a volley was fired into them, resulting in the death of Garda Dowling. The killing of Garda Dowling was believed to have been in reprisal for his enforcement of the illicit distillation laws.