Quaid, Seamus

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Name: Quaid, Seamus

Rank: Detective Garda

Reg No: 13497G

Station: Wexford

Years of Service: 22

Background:
Seamus Quaid came from Ballinakill, Castlemahon, Co. Limerick; born on 16th November, 1937. He joined An Garda Síochána on 22nd May, 1958. On 27th May, 1979, he was appointed to the Detective Branch. A prominent hurler who played with Faythe Harriers, he won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal with Wexford in 1960. He was married with four children. Detective Garda Quaid was posthumously awarded the Scott Gold Medal on 16th December, 1982.

Circumstances:

On 13th October, 1980, a day when two armed bank raids took place at Callan, Co. Kilkenny Detective Garda Quaid, and a colleague, Detective Garda Donal Lyttleton, were undertaking enquiries in the Wexford area, where both men were stationed, in connection with the robberies. Late in the evening they stopped a van at Ballyconnick Quarry near Cleariestown, which was driven by a member of the Provisional IRA who was known to Detective Garda Quaid. He was living in the local area and a native of Belfast. When the Gardai went to search the van, which was subsequently found to contain explosives, the driver suddenly drew a gun. He demanded the two Gardai should let him go, firing a shot over their heads. Detective Garda Quaid drew his gun. Shots were exchanged. The gunman was injured in the left leg in an attempt to disable him. The gunman shot Detective Garda Quaid who subsequently died from the injuries he sustained.