Kildare resident pens book about a controversial and legendary garda
Naas resident Aidan Harte has written a book about Dublin’s best loved policeman - “Lugs” Branigan - who patrolled Dublin’s streets in a bygone era.
Aimed at the 8 to 12 years old age group, the book tells how the garda was once a bullied kid from The Liberties.
“He grew up a champion of the weak. For forty years, 'Lugs' Branigan dispensed two-fisted justice on the streets of Dublin. He tamed the Animal Gangs, put the run on the Teddy Boys, and taught the Mods manners. This is his story, and the story of the town he loved,” is Aidan’s summary of his writing project.
Naas-based Books.ie made it a book of the month and it also got the thumbs up from singer Imelda May, who is herself from The Liberties.
Aidan hopes to do a reading in the library in Naas but a date has not been finalised.
James “Lugs” Branigan was a well known garda based in Dublin city in the 1950s and 1960s. He became a detective in 1958 and a sergeant in 1963 when he was put in charge of a public order unit.
Throughout his career he was known and respected for his “hands on” policing style and he was a much loved figure in Dublin. His direct style - sometimes preferring to administer a clip on the ear rather than issuing a summons for a court appearance, also drew criticism.
He was also a boxer with the Garda Boxing Club, winning a Leinster heavyweight title and representing Ireland on at least one occasion.
He retired with his wife Elizabeth to Sumnmerhill, near Kilcock, and died in 1986 at the age of 76.