A special memorial Mass has been celebrated in Castleisland Garda Station to commemorate the centenary of the first Garda member to be killed on active duty.
Sergeant James Woods was only 23 years of age when he died on 3rd December 1923.
He and Garda Patrick Spillane were on duty in Scartaglin Garda Station when the building was attacked by a group of masked men who were armed with rifles and shotguns.
Image source: An Garda Siochána FB
The raiders ordered Sergeant Woods to hand over all of his property, including his uniform, and when he resisted, he was shot by one of the raiders and died instantly.
James Woods, who was born on 25th March, 1900, hailed from Ballyreen, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. He was a trainee teacher who opted to joined An Garda Síochána at Ship Street Barracks in Dublin.
His first posting was Bantry Garda Station but in 1923, he was promoted Sergeant and transferred to Scartaglin.
The Mass, celebrated by Castleisland PP Fr Mossie Brick, was attended by relatives of Sgt Woods, members of An Garda Siochána and several retired members of the force.
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