Byrne, James

JamesByrne1

Name: Byrne, James

Rank: Garda

Reg No: 7779

Station: Pallas Garda Station

Years of Service: 18

Background:
James Byrne, born on 28th December, 1907, came from Ashinagap, Ballinglen, Co. Wicklow. He joined An Garda Síochána on 17th May, 1928, Garda Byrne served in Carrick-on-Bannow, Garda Headquarters, New Ross, Fermoy, Dungourney, Ballincurrig, Killarney, Beaufort and Farranfore. He was single at the time of his death.

Circumstances:

On 25th September, 1946, Garda James Byrne and Garda Daniel Joseph Duff were on armed protection duty on a farm at Mount Catherine, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. Both men appeared to be on friendly terms when leaving the Station.

Garda Daniel Joseph Duff subsequently stated that an argument arose between them regarding the performance of the protection duty to which they were allocated. The argument became very heated and Garda Duff alleged that Garda Byrne made a movement as if to draw his gun. Garda Daniel Joseph Duff drew his revolver and shot Garda Byrne twice. Garda Byrne died at the scene.

At the Central Criminal Court on 21st November, 1946 Garda Daniel Joseph Duff was convicted of the murder of Garda James Byrne. He was sentenced to death, however this was commuted to Penal Servitude for life.