Morrissey, Patrick J.

Name: Morrissey, Patrick J. 

Rank:Sergeant

Reg No:14545K

Station:Collon, Co. Louth

Years of Service:24 years

Background:
Patrick Morrissey, born on 7th March, 1936, came from Belturbet, Co. Cavan. He joined An Garda Síochána on 14th December, 1960, He served in the National Army from 1953 to 1960. Promoted to Sergeant on 24th October, 1974, he also served at Tramore, Adelphi Quay, Drogheda, Dundrum, Stepaside, Fitzgibbon Street, Whitehall, Omeath, Bridewell and H.Q. An experienced life-saver, his allocation to Headquarters saw him play a major role in the development of the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit. He was married with four children. Sergeant Morrissey was posthumously awarded the Scott Gold Medal on 4th December, 1986.

Circumstances:

On 27th June, 1985, Gardai Peter Long and Brendan Flynn were on mobile patrol at Ardee, Co. Louth. As they approached the town’s Labour Exchange they came upon a robbery in progress. Two armed men had ambushed the manager and stolen £25,000 in cash. When the raiders saw the patrol car they fled the scene in the manager’s car, discharging their firearms at the two Gardai. Following in pursuit, the patrol car picked up Sergeant Morrissey along the way. The chase ended abruptly at Rathbrist Cross, when the raiders, now on a motor-cycle, crashed into an approaching car, injuring the occupants of the car. Gardai Flynn and Long stayed with the injured persons while Sergeant Morrissey, alone and on foot, pursued the raiders. As he caught up with them a shot was fired and he fell to the ground grievously wounded.  One of the gunmen stood over him and at point blank range shot the Sergeant dead.