A plaque has been unveiled in memory of Garda Michael Reynolds, who was killed while off duty in Dublin over 40 years ago.
Gda Reynolds, 30, and he was described as "an example of courage and service" to other Gardai. At the plaque unveiling ceremony on Sunday in Clontarf Garda Station, with Gda Reynolds' family and serving members of An Garda Siochana in attendance, Commissioner Drew Harris honoured Gda Reynolds, saying he "gave the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice."
On September 11 in 1975, Gda Reynolds was off duty and out with his wife and daughter in Dublin, when he saw the armed robbery of the Bank of Ireland in Killester. The Galway man, who was unarmed, pursued the robbers to St Anne's Park where he was fatally shot.
Commissioner Harris described him as "a promising and bright life". He said: "We recognise and very much acknowledge the heavy blow and heavy burden of grief borne by the family in the intervening 47 years."
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"Garda Michael Reynolds knew of the dangers from being a member of An Garda Siochana. He made the split second decision to confront the threat and danger to preserve justice and peace here in Ireland," added Commissioner Harris.
Wreaths were laid by serving garda at the ceremony in Clontarf Garda Station, followed by a minute's silence outside the station in honour of the late Garda Reynolds. The Garda Band also performed music at the event, playing the Last Post and the National Anthem.
Gda Reynolds was later posthumously awarded a Gold Scott Medal, which is An Garda Siochana's highest award for bravery. Earlier this week, a plaque was also unveiled for Garda Richard Fallon, who died on April 3 in 1970 when responded to a raid alert at the Royal Irish Bank on Arran Quay with colleagues from Mountjoy Garda Station.
Gda Fallon was fatally shot at close range by the armed raiders as he attempted to apprehend them. He died instantly.
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