A ceremony to commemorate the murder of Garda Hugh Ward, (Reg No: 5663), 96 years ago was held in Hollyford, Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday last November 16th, 2022. The event was organised by Tipperary Town Gardaí.
Garda Ward, born on February, 14th 1897, was a native of Cloughmacoo, Nobber, Co. Meath. He joined An Garda Síochána on February, 27th 1924. He served in the Volunteers (1918-1921) and did yeoman service up to the time of the Truce. He also served in the National Army (1921-1924), including the Military Police. He was unmarried and served in Co. Roscommon, Co. Cork and Co. Tipperary.
On 14th November, 1926, anti-Treaty IRA launched co-ordinated attacks on 12 Garda stations around Ireland. In all, on that day, two Gardaí were shot dead: Sgt James Fitzsimons (Reg No: 2566 – St Luke’s Station Cork) and Garda Hugh Ward, both veterans of the War of Independence.
Fitzsimons, like Ward, was also single and had served in the Irish Volunteers in the 3rd Northern Division.
Garda Ward was on duty at Hollyford, Station and having answered a knock on the front door of his Station, a raider raised his gun and seriously injured Ward. He would sadly die from his injuries just two days later, on 16th November, 1926, while in the care of staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.
Their cowardly killers were never identified.
Chief Supt. Colm O’Sullivan unveiled a special plaque and members of the Ward family laid a wreath honouring Garda Ward’s service.
Speakers at Wednesday’s event included Brendan Franklin (Supt. Tipperary Town), Dr. Des Marnane (local historian) and Una Crowe, latter daughter of Rody Crowe former Hollyford Company Adjutant.
Fr. Dan Woods P.P. blessed the gathering and Piper John Moloughney played the National Anthem.
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