Garda detectives killed during Rathgar Road raid commemorated

A plaque dedicated to the memory of two detective gardaí who were killed in the line of duty 81 years ago is to be unveiled by Dublin City Council this morning.

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

Shortly before 8am on that day, a group of five detectives, led by Det Sgt McKeown arrived to carry out a search in the building, under the provisions of the Offences against the State Act, 1939.

After gaining entry 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. A third detective, Detective Garda Brady, was seriously wounded.

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

Richard Hyland, born on October 26th, 1903, in Manulla, Co. Mayo. He grew up in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, and later resided in Dublin. He joined An Garda Síochána on September 9th, 1933. Prior to joining An Garda Síochána 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 Hammam Hotel in Dublin during that period. Detective Garda Hyland was a married man with two children.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the two men “made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the State and its people”. He said they “demonstrated immense bravery and performed their duties intelligently, fully knowing that there was a risk to their lives”.

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.

Councillor Mary Freehill, on behalf of the Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland, said the plaque was a fitting tribute to all the gardaí who have lost their lives on duty.