O’Halloran, Patrick

pohalloran

Name: O’Halloran, Patrick

Rank: Garda

Reg No: 651

Station: Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow

Years of Service: 2

Background:Patrick O’Halloran, born on 15th May, 1896, came from George’s Street, Gort, Co. Galway. Having previously worked as a signalman on the Great Southern and Western Railway he joined An Garda Síochána on 31st March, 1922. He served with the local brigade of the Volunteers (1920-1922). He was first stationed at Swords and Skerries, both in Co. Dublin prior to moving on transfer to Baltinglass. On 13th January, 1923, Garda O’Halloran was one of four Gardai who defied a group of fifty men who attacked Baltinglass Garda Station armed with crowbars and sledgehammers. Garda Patrick O’Halloran was a single man.

Circumstances:

On 29th January, 1924, Garda O’Halloran was passing the National Bank in Baltinglass when he heard sounds of a struggle. He rushed to the door of the bank to give assistance and found the door bolted against him. He sounded his whistle to call his comrades; the raiders heard the whistle; they left the building and were pursued by Garda O’Halloran. In pursuit he was gaining ground on the raiders when one of them turned and fired point blank at Garda O’Halloran, killing him instantly.