Hyland, Richard

richardhyland

Name: Hyland, Richard

Rank: Detective Garda

Reg No: 8333

Station: Dublin Castle

Years of Service: 7

Background:
Richard Hyland, born on 26th October, 1903, in Manulla, Co. Mayo. He grew up in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, and later resided in Dublin. He joined An Garda Síochána on 9th September, 1933. Prior to joining An Garda Siochana he served as Quartermaster of ‘E’ Coy, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade during the War of Independence. He served on the Republican side during the Civil War and was a member of the bodyguard of Mr. Eamonn de Valera when he escaped from the old Hamman Hotel in Dublin during that period. Detective Garda Hyland was a married man with two children.

Circumstances:

Shortly after 8 a.m. on 16th August, 1940 a group of at least 5 Detectives from Dublin Castle, under Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown, carried out a search in Rathgar Road, Dublin under the provisions of the Offences against the State Act, 1939. After gaining entry to the premises, the members were surprised by a burst of gunfire from behind a partition wall. Detective Garda Hyland was killed instantly. Detective Sergeant McKeown died from his wounds on 17th August, 1940. Another member, Detective Garda Brady was seriously wounded.