Louth Gardai pay tribute to their late colleague Sergeant Paddy Morrissey
Sergeant Morrissey was shot dead following a robbery at the Labour Exchange in Ardee, Co Louth, June 27, 1985.
He bravely pursued the armed robbers, Martin McHugh and Noel Callan, both members of the renegade INLA, Irish National Liberation Army, and was killed as he chased them in a field.
The two Armagh men were found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of his capital murder and sentenced to death.
This was later commuted by the Government to 40 years penal servitude. Both killers were released from prison within days of each other after serving 30 years in 2015. They got their sentence reduced by 25pc - 10 years - for good behaviour.
In a post on Facebook Louth Gardai said: "Today we remember Sergeant Morrissey and the ultimate sacrifice he and his family made while he served and protected the community of Co Louth.
"Sergeant Morrissey was posthumously awarded the Gold Scott Medal for bravery in 1986. Rest in peace."
The hero Garda was 49 years old at the time and unarmed when he confronted the brutal cowardly gunmen.
He left behind his beloved wife Bernie and four children, Martin, Brian, Mary and Aideen. who were then aged between 12 to 19 years old.
In a statement to mark the 40 anniversary of his death the Morrissey family said: "We knew him as a giant of kindness and strength, and someone who believed strongly in fairness and in giving people chances to rectify lives - he believed strongly in the power of humanity and common decency.
"His former colleagues in the Garda Sub Aqua Unit, in Collon Garda Station and the other stations where he was posted, and in the Garda Choir have posted many heartfelt tributes throughout the years since 1985 - they most certainly have never forgotten him nor us as a family.
"Tomorrow marks the 40 year anniversary in remembering PJ who 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 his garden, or on the River Erne or River Boyne, diving, fishing or swimming in the water..
"In the past 40 years that have passed he has been remembered with profound loss by our family, and with high regard and warmth by friends and former colleagues.
"Our family wishes to thank all who have shown so much support and kindness in the last 40 years."
Paddy Morrissey was originally from Belturbet, Co Cavan.
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