Photographs - Garda Barracks in Duke Street - Opening of Garda Barracks 1983

This week I am showing two more photographs from Athy’s past.  The building with the Garda crest above the front door was the Garda Barracks in Duke Street.  Next door to the Gem the premises is now occupied by The Gift Box and has been much altered so as to make it unrecognisable from the days it served as the centre of law and order in the town.

The second photograph was taken on the occasion of the opening of the new Garda Station in Athy in 1983.  The official opening was performed by Joe Bermingham TD who was the Minister for State at the office of public works.  Seated next to him are Chief Superintendent James Murphy and Superintendent Tom Hennessy.  The Athy Station party pictured standing behind the Minister are Sgt. Pat Tierney, the late Liam Farrelly, Jim Bergin, Tom Friel, Tony Timoney, Joe Carthy, Sgt. Michael Hurley, Leon Kenny, Eoin Doyle, Det. Kevin Brady and John Murphy.  The only members still serving are Jim Bergin, now a Sergeant and recently returned to Athy and Leon Kenny, now a Detective.