Tribute paid on the passing of Laois Garda blown up by the IRA

Gardaí and the former Laois TD and minister for justice Charlie Flanagan have paid tribute on the passing of a retired garda who was injured by an IRA near Portarlington during the Troubles.

Jim Cannon passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore on Monday, November 10.

Late of Teachmhuire Sandy Lane, Portarlington, Jim was a proud native of Killtugh in Co Galway.

The garda was seriously injured when he and four gardaí attended a house in Garryhinch on October 16, 1976. An IRA bomb claimed the life of Michael Clerkin. Jim and the other victims were honoured with the Scott Medal for Bravery in 2017. The former sergeant fought for many years to have the sacrifice honoured by the State. Nobody was ever convicted of the crime.

Mr Flanagan paid his respects on Jim's passing.

"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Cannon, long-time Sergeant at Portarlington. Jim exemplified everything good about An Garda Síochána.

"I worked closely with Sgt Cannon as a young solicitor in Portarlington in the early 1980s. He was a man of the highest integrity. He took his work seriously and was at all times conscientious and diligent. He was a community Garda in the strictest sense. He knew every family in Port and was held in the highest respect and esteem.

"His life and the lives of his family were turned upside down on that fateful night in October 1976 when Gardaí were brutally ambushed in a terrorist attack at Garryhinch. Jim carried his injuries and trauma in a brave and courageous manner as the horrific experience stayed with him for life.

Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan TD with Jim and Mary Cannon at the presentation of Scott Medals in the Garda College, Templemore in 2017. Picture: Alf Harvey

"One of my proudest moments as Minister for Justice was to present Jim Cannon with his Scott medal, the highest honour for bravely in An Garda Síochána. The award was so richly deserved. I offer my condolences to the family of Jim Cannon at this time of sadness and grief,” he said.

READ ALSO: Gardai honoured with Scott Medals for Bravery in emotional ceremony

The Laois–Offaly branch of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors also extended their condolences. 

"It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our retired colleague, Jim Cannon, formerly of An Garda Síochána and AGSI Laois Offaly Chairman.

"Jim’s service and dedication to the organisation, and his courage in the face of the tragic events surrounding the Garryhinch bombing, will long be remembered.

"On behalf of the Laois–Offaly Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and former colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," said the statement

Jim was predeceased by his beloved son Gerard, father Patrick, mother Delia, brothers Eddie, Liam, Brendan and Paddy and brother-in-law Michael.

He is sadly missed by his loving wife Mary (nee Shanahan) Drombane Co Tipperary, family Padraig (Patrick), Marie and Carmel, sister Maureen, son-in-law PJ Kavanagh, daughter-in-law Susan Hall, grandchildren CJ and his wife Rhianon, Luke, Enja-Sun and her fiance Arthur, Joe and Conor, great-grandchildren Ava, Oscar and Harlow, sisters-in-law Bridie, Eileen and Mary, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, former members of An Garda Síochàna and many friends.

His remains repose at Maher's Chapel of Rest, Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) on Tuesday evening from 5:30pm with Rosary at 8pm.

Removal from his residence on Wednesday morning at 11:15 am, arriving St Michael's Church, Portarlington for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to St Michael's Cemetery Portarlington.

Reposing at Maher's Chapel of Rest, Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) on Tuesday evening from 5:30pm with Rosary at 8pm. Removal from his residence on Wednesday morning at 11:15am, arriving St Michael's Church, Portarlington for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to St Michael's Cemetery, Portarlington.

Jim's Requiem Mass will be streamed live on. https://www.mcn.live/Cameras/st-michaels-church-portarlington

Family flowers only please. Donations if Desired to The Friends Of The Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.