Garda John Moloney

This poem by Garda John Moloney [2636], who retired on 9 August 1964 following almost 42 years’ service, first appeared in ‘Síocháin’ in the Christmas Edition of 1972 around the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of An Garda Síochána.

John, a popular Galway man from Shrue, Roscahill near Oughterard, joined An Garda Síochána or the Civic Guard as it was known then on the 28 November1922 and in April of 1923, he was assigned to Cork.

He served in Victoria Cross, Ballincollig, Kanturk, Watercourse Road, Blackrock and finally Union Quay. He spent a short while allocated to Rathmore, Co. Kerry.A man of a quiet disposition, he was held in the highest esteem by his comrades and the public alike.

John married Mona Dennehy from Victoria Cross
in 1929 and raised 4 children – 3 boys and a girl. John Moloney passed away in 1989 and Mona, three weeks later after 70 years of marriage.

Their son, Patrick or Paddy followed John into the force in 1954 and had the number 11028M. He served in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ballingeary, Clonakilty and Skibbereen before transferring to Kilmainham Station in the DMA with the Shoulder Number A153. Paddy sadly passed away in 1995.

Poem submitted by John’s son, Noel Moloney, Whites Cross, Cork.

Looking Back

By John Moloney

As I now look down along the rank
I can see so very few
Of that gallant band who took their stand In nineteen twenty-two

There were men who came from Connacht From Muster, Leinster and from Ulster too Oh, that mighty band who took their stand The men of twenty-two

To the great plains of Ireland
To Cork, Waterford, limerick and Clonmel As they marched out the Depot Gate
They said their last farewell

They were scattered here and scattered there But always brave and true
Into a troubled lawless land
Came the men of twenty-two

We were the silent people Without help and leaders few Our burdens they were heavy
The vanguard force of twenty-two

As time passed on through strife and trials They held their rank all true
Till stress and strain took its grim toll
Of the men of twenty-two

Some went to their early graves Some died in exile too
Oh, that gallant, that noble band The men of twenty-two

So now my friends, just join with me And all our prayers renew
For all who have gone to their reward From the ranks of twenty-two

John Moloney in 1924

John Moloney in 1925 (pictured right) at the Garda Depot.