Bournea Reaching Out Historical Society had another very successful Lecture on Tuesday April 28th 2026.
Tim Maher Reports:
Dr John Reynolds a former member of An Garda Siochana at Templemore Garda College and well-known historian, lectured on the Foundation of An Garda Siochana in 1922 and the Templemore Museum and Archives.
Our vice Chairperson Michael Costigan introduced Dr. John Reynolds to the audience on behave of our non-resident Chairperson Christine Timoney who lives in Australia. Michael welcomed John to Lismackin Hall on behalf of Bournea Reaching Out Historical Society and gave a brief summery of his achievements to date.
Pic: Courtesy Tim Maher
Dr Reynolds detailed the changeover from the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) armed police force of the United Kingdom in Ireland from 1822 until 1922, to the unarmed Irish police force An Garda Siochana, and how they managed the changeover after the Irish War of Independence and during the Irish Civil War.
After a tea break and a chat, he continued the second part of his lecture on how he set up the Templemore Garda Museum. He told us, he had hundreds of visitors per week from home and abroad visiting. They had groups of school children, tourist, and many other groups, like ourselves, visiting before the COVID-19 virus hit. When the pandemic was over,unfortunately the museum was never opened again and some parts move to a new Dubin Garda museum.
We finished up with our vice chairperson Michael Costigan thanking him for his time and his wonderful lectures. Dr Reynolds said he would be delighted to come again to lecture on a different subject. He is the author of two books that he had for sale, ‘The Templemore Miracles‘ and ‘46 Men Dead‘.
We had a great turnout and thanks to everyone who attended and made it a great night.
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