Roche, John

Name: Roche, John

Rank: Detective Garda

Reg No: 4905

Station: Union Quay, Cork

Years of Service: 17

Background:
John Roche, born on 11th June, 1905, came from Ballybehy South, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. Having worked in farming he joined An Garda Síochána on 11th July, 1923. He was a keen Gaelic Footballer. He served at Kinnegad, Dungourney, Watercourse Road and McCurtain Street where he served as Food & Drugs Inspector, Clerk and in plain clothes before moving to the Detective Branch at Union Quay in 1937. Detective Garda Roche was married.

Circumstances:

On 3rd January, 1940, Detective Garda Roche was on duty at Patrick Street, Cork with a number of colleagues. The Gardai approached a man whom they wanted to question about criminal activities. The man produced a revolver and shot Detective Garda Roche. Detective Garda Roche was taken to the North Infirmary Hospital where he died from his wounds on 4th January, 1940.