Former Limerick garda collects bravery award on behalf of father
Patrick Spillane forcibly stripped of his uniform during anti-Treaty IRA attack in 1923
A FORMER Limerick garda has collected a bravery medal on behalf of his father who showed immense courage in the line of duty.
Pat Spillane, who served in the Limerick garda division from 1967 until his retirement in 2004, was in Dublin to receive the Scott Medal on behalf of his father, the late Patrick Spillane.
This is the highest award that can be given out by a garda commissioner and is given for “most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty”.
Patrick Spillane, who died in 1981, was stationed in Scartaglen, Co Kerry, during an anti-Treaty IRA attack in December 1923.
He was forcibly stripped of his uniform and had his belongings stolen by the raiders, while his colleague, Sgt James Woods was tragically shot dead.
Borrowing a set of clothes, Garda Spillane cycled 8km to Castleisland in the dark to alert the authorities of the attack.
His son, who now lives in Ballingarry, is glad his father has been remembered.
"There is a sense his bravery has been acknowledged at last after 103 years nearly. Not only him, but the man with him, James Woods,” Mr Spillane explained.
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"On the night in question, he [Spillane] was taken to an upstairs room where they wanted to take his uniform off. They told him a gun was loaded. He refused, he said he would die before he hands over his uniform. They started to beat him, strip him,” he said.
It was on the encouragement of his father that the young Pat joined the gardai, serving at William Street then Henry Street stations.
He thanked the heritage committee in Castleisland and Garda Siochana Retired Members' Association for helping him research his father, who was born in Blarney in 1901.
His son was born in Skibbereen and says while he will always support Cork’s hurlers, Limerick people have been good to him.