Gardaí honoured by Commemorative Plaque

photograph of Garda Commssioner Drew Harris, Ms Mari HYland, and Councillor Mary Freehill, at the unveiling.

Dublin City Council is proud to unveil a plaque to honour two An Garda Síochána detectives who were killed in the line of duty, 81 years ago today. The commemorative plaque was unveiled on the morning of 16th August, 2021, at the building on Rathgar Road where the two men lost their lives. The plaque was proposed by the men’s surviving families and by Gardaí from Rathmines Station.  

Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown, from Armagh, and Mayo-born Detective Garda Richard Hyland, were both shot during a raid at 97A Rathgar Road, on 16th August 1940.  

Shortly before 8 a.m. on 16th August, 1940 a group of five detectives, under the command of 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 building, the Gardaí were surprised by a burst of gunfire from behind a partition wall. 

Detective Garda Hyland managed to discharge one shot after being wounded which warned off his surviving colleagues from entering through the front of the shop. Detective Sergeant McKeown died from his wounds the following day. Another Garda, Detective Garda Brady, was seriously wounded. 

At the event Garda Commissioner Drew Harris spoke of the two men who were killed, and the sacrifice they made when carrying out their duties.  

Commissioner Harris said, On this day 81 years ago, Detective Garda Richard Hyland and Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the State and its people.  

We know through history that on August 16th, 1940 Detective Garda Hyland and Detective Sergeant McKeown demonstrated immense bravery and performed their duties intelligently, fully knowing that there was a risk to their lives.  

The commemorative plaque being unveiled today is a fitting memorial to their sacrifice. And, later this month, An Garda Síochána will also recognise their exceptional courage and bravery by awarding the Gold Scott Medal to both men posthumously at a ceremony in Dublin Castle. 

Today’s anniversary is another reminder of each of the members of An Garda Síochána that have their lost their lives in the line of duty, and the bravery demonstrated by Gardaí on a daily basis to keep people safe.” 

Also speaking at the unveiling, Councillor Mary Freehill, paid tribute to all the Gardaí who have lost their lives on duty, noting that the plaque will serve as ‘a reminder to us all, if any were needed, of the risks that the women and men of An Garda Síochána take on our behalf as they perform their duties on the streets of Dublin’

The plaque is being unveiled to mark the 81st anniversary of the incident by Councillor Freehill, representing the Lord Mayor; Mary P. Hyland, a daughter of Detective Garda Hyland, and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. 

The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee. 

Fallon, Richard – Garda

Located at 24 Aran Quay, Dublin 7, D07 W620, this plaque honours Garda Richard Fallon, who was killed in the line of duty on 3rd April 1970.

Locate this plaque on Google maps.

On the morning of 3rd April, 1970, three armed men robbed the Royal Bank of Ireland, Arran Quay, Dublin. On arrival at the scene Garda Fallon, with two colleagues, Garda Paul Firth and Garda Patrick Hunter, were confronted by the raiders. As the Gardai moved  towards them all three of the raiders fired repeatedly at the Gardai. Garda Fallon attempted to arrest the gunman nearest to him when he was shot by one of the other raiders and was fatally wounded.

The plaque was unveiled on 22nd July, 2020.

Hyland, Richard – Garda

On Monday 16th August, 2021, a Dublin City Council honouring Detective Garda Richard Hyland and Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown was unveiled at 97A Rathgar Road, Dublin 6.

The plaque was unveiled by Ms Marie Hyland (daughter of Garda Hyland); Councillor Mary Freehill (representing the Lord Mayor), and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris,

Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown, from Armagh, and Mayo-born Detective Garda Richard Hyland, were both shot during a raid at 97A Rathgar Road, on 16th August 1940.  

Shortly before 8 a.m. on 16th August, 1940 a group of five detectives, under the command of 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 building, the Gardaí were surprised by a burst of gunfire from behind a partition wall. 

Detective Garda Hyland managed to discharge one shot after being wounded which warned off his surviving colleagues from entering through the front of the shop. Detective Sergeant McKeown died from his wounds the following day. Another Garda, Detective Garda Brady, was seriously wounded. 

Richard Hyland was born on 26th October, 1903, in Manulla, Co. Mayo. He grew up in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, and later lived 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 Éamon 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.

The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee. 

McKeown, Patrick – Detective Sergeant

On Monday 16th August, 2021, a Dublin City Council honouring Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown and Detective Garda Richard Hyland was unveiled at 97A Rathgar Road, Dublin 6.

The plaque was unveiled by Ms Marie Hyland (daughter of Garda Hyland); Councillor Mary Freehill (representing the Lord Mayor), and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris,

Detective Sergeant Patrick McKeown, from Armagh, and Mayo-born Detective Garda Richard Hyland, were both shot during a raid at 97A Rathgar Road, on 16th August 1940.  

Shortly before 8 a.m. on 16th August, 1940 a group of five detectives, under the command of 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 building, the Gardaí were surprised by a burst of gunfire from behind a partition wall. 

Detective Garda Hyland managed to discharge one shot after being wounded which warned off his surviving colleagues from entering through the front of the shop. Detective Sergeant McKeown died from his wounds the following day. Another Garda, Detective Garda Brady, was seriously wounded. 

Patrick McKeown was born on 9th April, 1901, and came from Clea, Keady, County Armagh. He joined An Garda Síochána on 13th July, 1923. He was appointed to Detective Branch on 22nd September, 1933, and promoted to Detective Sergeant on 25th September, 1939. He was single. Detective Sergeant McKeown also served at Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire.

The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee.