Remembering Sergeant Patrick Morrissey: 41 Years Since the Rathbrist Tragedy
On the 27th of June, 1985, a violent incident unfolded that would leave a lasting mark on County Louth. The day began with a brazen armed robbery at the Labour Exchange in Ardee, where two gunmen violently seized £25,000 in cash.
Sergeant Patrick Morrissey, stationed at Collon Garda Station at the time, happened to be in Ardee attending the District Court. Alerted to the situation, he bravely joined two of his colleagues in a high-speed pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
A Chase That Ended in Tragedy
The pursuit tore through the county until it reached an abrupt and violent end at Rathbrist Cross in Tallanstown. The robbers’ getaway vehicle crashed heavily into an oncoming car, causing injuries to its innocent occupants.
Without hesitation, Sergeant Patrick Morrissey continued the chase on foot as the armed men fled into the grounds of a nearby property. It was during this foot pursuit that the unthinkable happened. After closing in on the suspects, the Sergeant was shot and fell to the ground, severely wounded. In a deeply callous act, one of the gunmen then stood over the injured officer and fatally shot him at point-blank range.
A Legacy of Service
Born in Belturbet, County Cavan, on the 7th of March, 1936, Sergeant Patrick Morrissey dedicated his life to public service. He joined An Garda Síochána on the 14th of December, 1960, and over his distinguished career, he served in numerous communities.
- Career Progression: Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1974.
- Stations Served: His career saw him posted to Tramore, Adelphi Quay, Drogheda, Dundrum, Stepaside, Fitzgibbon Street, Whitehall, Omeath, the Bridewell, and Garda HQ.
- Highest Honour: In recognition of his exceptional bravery and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Scott Gold Medal on the 4th of December, 1986.
Forty-one years later, the memory of his courage continues to be honoured by his colleagues, his family, and the communities he swore to protect. The tragedy remains a stark reminder of the everyday dangers faced by members of An Garda Síochána as they go about their duties.
