Today marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Co Cavan Sergeant Patrick Joseph Morrissey.
The sergeant who originated from Belturbet was killed in the line of duty on 27th of June 1985 at Tallanstown in Co.Louth.
He was shot dead while in pursuit of two INLA members - Michael McHugh from Crossmaglen and Noel Callan from Cullaville who had robbed the Labour Exchange in Ardee and stolen £25,000 in cash. Every anniversary is marked by the annual Garda Memorial Day at Dublin Castle and by the annual family remembrance mass in his home town, of Belturbet.
In a statement today from Sergeant PJ Morrissey's family, they say he is remembered by us as a devoted husband and father and provider for our family. In the 40 years that have passed he has been remembered with profound loss by his family, and with high regard and warmth by friends and former colleagues.
His family say he was ultimately a Guardian of the Peace, a guardian of the community, a family man and a good friend to so many. He was perhaps most at home in the garden, or on the River Erne or River Boyne, diving, fishing or swimming in the water. On June 27th 1985 Sgt. Morrissey was at Ardee courthouse for a sitting of the local court when he found out about a raid at the employment exchange in Ardee.
He joined two Ardee-based Gardaí in their patrol car who were shot at by the robbers. Near Tallanstown the robbers, who had switched from a car to a motorcycle, collided with an approaching car injuring its occupants. Two of the Gardaí stayed with the injured persons while Sergeant Morrissey, alone and on foot, pursued the raiders. As he caught up with them, a shot was fired and he fell to the ground grievously wounded. One of the gunmen stood over him and at point-blank range shot the Sergeant dead.
A special service was held in Collon on Thursday 19th June and the associated dedication of a new bench and plaque was unveiled. The 40th anniversary mass for PJ will be held at the Church of The Immaculate Conception in Belturbet at 7.00pm this Saturday.
Victim and Survivor support group SEFF have prepared quilts made up of panels illustrating the memories of families of victims of terrorism across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Some of these quilts will be exhibited in the Belturbet Heritage Railway museum on Saturday evening after vigil mass.
Meanwhile SEFF's Director Kenny Donaldson stated: that 40 years ago Garda PJ Morrissey was stolen away from his family by subversives and the murder of PJ shocked and appalled many people.
He said despite what they have been subjected to, the Morrissey family have sought to live their lives in a manner bringing honour to his memory. They represent the values of fairness, respect and commitment to service which PJ's life reflected.
