An Garda Síochána marks 100th anniversary this year

Today, Wednesday, February 9, marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the foundation committee that led to the creation of An Garda Síochána.

Called by revolutionary leader Michael Collins, the meeting took place at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin and among the attendees was Michael Staines TD who would go on to become the first Garda Commissioner.

To mark the centenary of An Garda Síochána, a series of local and national commemorative events and initiatives are planned for the year ahead and will coincide with the key historical dates.

These include:

• February 21st 2022 – The ‘Day in the Life’ project to mark the day the first Garda recruits were attested in the RDS
• May 24th, 2022 – Gresham Hotel Commemorative Event (event was postponed from February 9 2022 due to COVID-19)
• Dublin Castle, 27th August 2022 – A National Event to commemorate the day that Commissioner Michael Staines led Gardaí into Dublin Castle
• Presentation of a Centenary Service Medal to all serving and retired Garda members
• Publication of two books on the organisation in its first 100 years
• Renovation of the Garda memorial cenotaph in Garda Headquarters
• A specially commissioned piece of music by the composer Odhrán O’Chasaide will be performed by Garda Band at the Commemorative Event in Dublin Castle on the August 27th, 2022
• Local exhibitions on Garda history and heritage

In a statement, Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris said: “Over the past century An Garda Síochána has established a very strong bond with communities and has become a central part of people’s everyday lives.

“As an organisation it has adapted to change in order to serve the past and present needs of a national, unarmed police service, while also striving to provide a specialist response to prevent and detect crime.

“As we reflect on one hundred years of Ireland’s police service and its achievements in keeping people safe, we must remember our 89 colleagues who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“Their brave and courageous efforts will be a core part of this year’s commemorations.

“The history of An Garda Síochána belongs to the Irish people and to the generations of Gardaí who have devoted their lives to keeping people safe.

“Just as the foundation of An Garda Síochána depended on the vision of people like Michael Staines, the very first Garda Commissioner, it will be the leadership shown by the men and women of An Garda Síochána that will maintain the public’s trust and respect through the next century.

“I hope that the planned events and initiatives will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about An Garda Síochána, as well as pay tribute to those who currently serve and those who came before us.”