On November 30th, 1922, the first five officers of the then Civic Guard, later to be known as An Garda Sióchána, began duty in Listowel – the first garda officers in Kerry. They were John McMahon, JE Fitzpatrick, Patrick Quinn, Patrick Malone, and Edward Kerrifad. This event was commemorated in the town yesterday in a ceremony attended by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Treasa Murphy spoke to Garda Inspector Tim O’Keeffe. She also spoke to 15-year-old Erin O’Sullivan from Tralee and her mother Caroline. Erin along with Seán Kearney and Rose Flaherty took part in the event as honorary gardaí. Garda Tom Daly who’s stationed in Macroom describes the garda uniform from the early 20th century that he wore to the commemoration. Commissioner Harris also gave an interview. Also remembered yesterday were the Dinneens who were the last family to live in Listowel barracks. Gary Dinneen is the last child born in the barracks; he’s the youngest son of Betty and the late retired Inspector Liam Dinneen.
