Clerkin, Michael Augustine

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Name: Clerkin, Michael Augustine

Rank: Garda

Reg No: 18189G

Station: Portarlington, Co. Laois

Years of Service: 4

Background: Michael Clerkin was born in Monaghan on 23rd May, 1952. Son of Patrick and Mary Clerkin of Monaghan, he joined An Garda Síochána on 23rd February, 1972. Garda Clerkin also served at Portlaoise Garda Station.

Circumstances:

On 16th October, 1976 Garda Clerkin, with colleagues Sergeant Jim Cannon, Detective Garda Tom Peters, Detective Garda Ben Thornton and Garda Gerry Bohan, responded to a call that suspicious activity was taking place at a derelict house at Garryhinch, Portarlington, Co. Laois. On arrival at the premises the Gardai began to conduct a search of the premises when a booby-trap bomb exploded killing Garda Clerkin and seriously wounding his colleagues.