The sacrifice of Garda John Murrin of Bruckless will be remembered during a Mass and commemoration this Sunday, 100 years after his death.
Garda Murrin was fatally shot in the line of duty after just one year of service.
John (Jack) Murrin, was stationed in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary when on 6th May, 1924, he and his colleague Sergeant Thomas Griffin, were investigating a shooting incident which had occurred the previous day.
Having identified the suspects for the crime, both Sergeant Griffin and Garda Murrin proceeded to a house at nearby Killonerry, Co. Kilkenny. On arrival and without warning, both Gardai were shot and seriously injured. Garda Murrin died from his injuries on 19th October, 1924.
They, along with other members of An Garda Síochana killed in this period, knowingly went out to police a country emerging from years of civil strife, a War of Independence and subsequent Civil War, knowing the mortal danger they faced but determined to provide an unarmed and accepted police service for their people.
Everybody is very welcome to attend a Mass, followed by an unveiling of a commemorative plaque, which will be held at the Church of St. Joseph and St. Conal, Bruckless at 2pm on the 5th May 2024.
Light refreshments will be served in the adjoining Community Centre afterwards. Some of John’s surviving relatives and members of An Garda Síochána will be in attendance.
John (Jack) Murrin was born in 1898 across the road in what is now known as Mary Murrins. He joined an Garda Síochána on 4th April, 1923 having previously worked in the family business, served in the Irish Volunteers (1918-1922) and the National Army (1922-1923).
