| Name: |
John Collins |
Reg No: |
2226 |
| Image: |
|
Date Of Joining: |
07 November 1922 |
| Date of birth: |
07 July 1893 |
Address: |
Port, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick |
| Religion: |
Roman Catholic |
IRA Rank: |
Private |
| Rank In National Army: |
- |
RIC Rank: |
0 |
| Foreign Army Rank: |
- |
If In Cid Or Protection Corps: |
- |
| Knowledge Of Irish Language: |
- |
Height: |
5ft 11 1/2in |
| Chest: |
39/36 |
Remarks: |
- |
| Keyword: |
Scott Medal Cahirciveen Ballinasloe |
Acknowledgements And Sources: |
- |
| Garda Rank at end of service: |
- |
Where Stationed-DISTRICT(Place): |
KERRY (Cahirciveen), GALWAY (Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Ascaragh), WICKLOW (Aughrim), TIPPERARY (Clonmel), DUBLIN (Rathfarnham), CORK (Union Quay, Bandon) |
| End of Service and Reason: |
- |
Marriage |
- |
| Occupation Or Trade: |
- |
By Whom Recommended: |
- |
| Link To Register: |
-
|
| Additional Images: |
-
|
Page Numbers: |
161 and 162 |
| Further Notes: |
John Collin was the son of Denis Collins (a Farmer). Married Elizabeth 'Betty' O'Donoghue on 20th July 1943 in Knocknagoshel, Brosna, County Kerry. He was the first Garda to be awarded 2 Scott medals for bravery. The first time was in January 1940 when D/Sgt. Collins and D/Gda. Denis Teahan spotted a wanted man called Thomas McCurtin while on patrol in Cork City. In the violent struggle that followed D/Gda. John Roche (Reg No. 4905) was shot dead by McCurtin who was arrested after a violent struggle and later sentenced to death, which was commuted. Collins and Teahan were awarded gold Scott medals for bravery on 9th October 1941. The second time was on 23rd March 1941 D/Sgt. Collins discovered a live bomb hidden by the IRA in a bicycle saddlebag outside Union Quay Garda Station in Cork City. Collins moved the bicycle to safety and helped to evacuate the Garda Station, during which a second bomb was found. Collins and his colleague Sergeant John Driscoll were awarded bronze Scott medals for bravery on 2nd November 1942. Collins was an Inspector in Clonmel, Superintendent in Rathfarmham and finsihed as Chief Superindent in Bandon. Retired in 1968. Resided in Parkmore, Roscrea, County Tipperary. Died on 14th December 1990. He is buried in Knocknagoshel Burial Ground, Brosna. |