Memorial to garda heroes to be unveiled tomorrow

A LONG overdue memorial to two Mayo gardaí fatally wounded following a bank robbery in Ballaghaderreen 37 years ago will be unveiled tomorrow. 

The Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan and top ranking members of An Garda Siochana will be present at Shannon's Cross, Loughlynn, for the unveiling of the memorial to John Morley and Henry Byrne.

John, a detective garda, and Henry, a uniformed officer, both from the Knock area, received fatal gunshot wounds on July 7, 1980, when they came upon armed raiders who had earlier robbed the Bank of Ireland in Ballaghaderreen.

John (37), who played Gaelic football for Mayo, and Henry (29) were both married with families.

Their widows, Frances and Ann Marie, as well as their families, will attend tomorrow's ceremony which is scheduled for 2 p.m. 

Over €20,000 has been collected for the monument which will carry photographs of both officers and the oficial Garda Crest.

The Army Band, in the absence of the Garda Band who have a prior commitment, will play at the ceremony.

As part of the proceedings, a commemorative booklet marking the tragic events of July 7, 1980, and the lives of John and Henry will be launched.