Woods, James

jwoods

Name: Woods, James

Rank: Sergeant

Reg No: 2358

Station: Scartaglen, Co. Kerry

Years of Service: 1

Background:
James Woods, born on 25th March, 1900, came from Ballyreen, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. He was a trainee teacher who, after a year left to join the Volunteers. He joined An Garda Síochána on 15th November, 1922, at Ship Street Barracks in Dublin. His first posting was Bantry Garda Station. On 1st May, 1923, he was promoted Sergeant and transferred to Scartaglen Garda Station on 30th May, 1923. Sergeant Woods had two brothers who also served in An Garda Síochána. On 26th November, 1995, a Memorial to Sergeant Woods was unveiled at Castleisland Garda Station.

Circumstances:

On Monday 3rd December, 1923, Sergeant Woods and another member were on duty in Scartaglen Garda Station, five miles from Castleisland, Co Kerry. On that night the station was attacked by a group of men, armed with rifles and shotguns, who evidently sought possession of the Garda uniforms. The raiders ordered Sergeant Woods to hand over all of his property, including his uniform. When he resisted he was shot by one of the raiders and died instantly.