Today marks the anniversary of the murder of Detective Garda Frank Hand, who was fatally shot by members of the Provisional IRA; latter the paramilitary organisation historically and politically associated with Sinn Féin, while protecting a delivery of pension and social-welfare money in County Meath.
On the morning of August 10th 1984, Detective Garda Hand and his colleague, Detective Garda Michael Dowd, were travelling in an unmarked Garda car as the armed escort for a Post Office mail van.
When the vehicles stopped outside Drumree Post Office, they were confronted by an armed Provisional IRA unit attempting to rob the delivery. Gunfire was exchanged between the raiders and the Gardaí. Both detectives were wounded, but Detective Garda Hand’s injuries sadly proved fatal.
The stolen money was subsequently recovered. Mr Tony Eccles, Mr Patrick McPhillips and Mr Brian McShane were convicted of Detective Garda Hand’s capital murder. They all received death sentences, which were commuted to 40 years imprisonment. The three men were later released early under the provisions associated with the Belfast Agreement.
Detective Mr Frank Hand was born on August 29th 1957, the fourth of seven children from Ardmullen, Curraghboy, County Roscommon, (near Athlone). He joined An Garda Síochána on July 20th 1977.
After completing his training, at the Garda Training Centre in Templemore, County Tipperary, (Today called the Garda College), he was assigned to Donnybrook Garda Station in Dublin.
On April 16th 1982, he was appointed to the Central Detective Unit at Harcourt Square.
During his short but distinguished career, he also played an important part in the arrest of murderer Mr Malcolm MacArthur in 1982. Detective Hand played a key role in the August 1982 arrest of murderer Mr MacArthur at the Attorney General’s apartment in Dalkey. Detective Hand had remained stationed at the rear of the property, while other officers moved towards the front; Assistant Garda Commissioner Mr Tony Hickey later recalled that this decision had prevented MacArthur from escaping.
Detective Hand was killed just19 days before his 27th birthday. He had married Ms Breda Horgan; also a member of An Garda Síochána, only five weeks earlier. His newly married wife was then pregnant at the time of his death, and their daughter, Fiona, was born after her father was murdered.
On December 4th 1986, Detective Garda Frank Hand was posthumously awarded the Scott Gold Medal for exceptional courage and bravery.
Detective Hand gave his life while protecting his colleagues and the public. Behind the uniform was a young husband, an expectant father and a dedicated Garda whose future was taken from him in an act of criminal violence.
Today, we remember Detective Garda Frank Hand, his widow Mrs Breda Hand, his daughter Fiona, his wider family and all those affected by the attack at Drumree.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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