The death has occurred of Jim Cannon, the former Garda Sergeant in Portarlington who was injured in the IRA bombing in Garryhinch in 1976.
A native of Raheernan, Kiltullagh, in Galway, he lived in Laois for many years.
He was sergeant in Portarlington in the 1970s and was on duty on the night of the Garryhinch bombing when his colleague, 24-year-old Michael Clerkin from Monaghan, was killed instantly.
Garda Tom Peters was left blind by the attack while Cannon and two other colleagues, Ben Thornton and Gerry Bohan, were badly injured.
They were all awarded Scott Medals for Bravery at a ceremony in 2017. The presentations were made by Charlie Flanagan who was Minister for Justice at the time.
Flanagan had a personal connection to the case as his late father, Oliver J, who was Junior Minister for Defence, was the subject of a death threat and believed to be the intended target.
At a gathering held in the Killeshin Hotel in 2017 following the Scott Medal presentation in the Garda Training College in Templemore earlier that day, Jim Cannon made a touching and eloquent speech.
“It was an emotional day for the four of us who survived this atrocity and also for our families and the Clerkin family,” he said.
“All of us have carried the memories and scars of that night to this very day and have paid a very high price.”
Photo: Michael Scully
“It was a cold and dreary night on the 16th of October 1976,” said Cannon in his speech, “when we faced the house of horrors at Garryhinch”.
“It was one of the darkest days in the history of the Garda Siochana. I want to emphasize here and now that this award means an awful lot to the survivors, their families and the Clerkin family and is much appreciated.
“I said in an interview that if Tom Peters – who has lost his sight and hearing – had a Scott Medal in his hand, it would mean something. Tom Peters has that Scott Medal in his hand now.”
Cannon also thanked the four men’s wives. “Over the past 41 years, four ladies had to endure the memories and scars of this atrocity to this day. On behalf of the survivors, I extend grateful thanks to Betty Peters, Mary Cannon, Norrie Thornton and Kate Bohan who looked after us all and continue to do so with loving care and attention. We salute you and regret that you had to suffer so much. This Scott Medal is for you also.”
On hearing the news of the passing of Jim Cannon, Charlie Flanagan, who is now retired himself, said he “exemplified everything that is good about An Garda Síochána”.
“I worked closely with Sergeant Cannon when I was a young solicitor in Portarlington in the 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 & esteem.
“His life and the lives of his family were turned upside down on that fateful night in October 1976 when Gardai 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.
“One of my proudest moments as Minister for Justice was to present Jim Cannon with his Scott medal, the highest honour for bravery in an Garda Siochana. The award was so richly deserved. I offer my condolences to the family of Jim Cannon at this time of sadness and grief.”
Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore. Predeceased by his beloved son Gerard, father Patrick, mother Delia, brothers Eddie, Liam, Brendan and Paddy, brothers-in-law Michael Shanahan and Peter Martin.
Sadly missed by his loving wife Mary (nee Shanahan) Drombane Thurles, son Padraig (Patrick), daughters Marie and Carmel, sister Maureen, son-in-law P.J. Kavanagh, daughter-in-law Susan Hall, grandchildren C.J. and his wife Rhiannon, Luke, Enya-Su, Tara and her fiancè Artur, 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.
Reposing at Mahers 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 (eircode R32 HY38) for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to St Michael’s Cemetery Portarlington.
SEE ALSO – Laois County Council agree 2026 budget of over €132 million – up 7.4%
