This is the quilt created to honour hero Garda PJ Morrissey, who was gunned down on duty 40 years ago. On June 27, 1985, Sgt Morrissey attempted to stop an armed robbery in Ardee, Co Louth.
Two men had ambushed the manager at the town鈥檚 Labour Exchange and stolen 拢25,000 in cash. Sgt Morrissey pursued the raiders on foot and was wounded by gunshot by one of the robbers, Michael McHugh.
The thug then approached the unarmed sergeant and shot him in the head. Victim and support group South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) have created a quilt made up of panels illustrating the memories of families of victims of terrorism across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Forty years after Sgt Morrissey鈥檚 tragic death, his panel on the quilt aims to remember the hero he was but also who he was outside of his job. The art piece shows the garda, who was from Belturbet, Co Cavan, as a diver wearing fins in the water and surrounded by musical notes, to illustrate his interests.
PJ is fondly remembered by his wife Bernie and their four children Martin, Brian, Mary and Aideen. In a statement, his family said: 鈥淲e knew him as a giant of kindness and strength and someone who belonged strongly in fairness and in giving people chances to rectify their lives, he believed strongly in the power of humanity and common decency.
鈥淗is former colleagues in the Garda Sub Aqua Unit, in Collon Garda station and the other stations where he was posted and in the Garda Choir have paid many heartfelt tributes throughout the years since 1985 – they most certainly have never forgotten him, nor us as a family.
鈥淥ur family wish to thank all who have shown so much support and kindness in the last 40 years.鈥 A memorial mass will be held for Sgt Morrissey at the Church of The Immaculate Conception in Belturbet on Sunday, June 28, at 7pm.
SEFF Director Kenny Donaldson said 40 years ago the murder of PJ 鈥渟hocked and appalled many people鈥. He added: 鈥淒espite what they have been subjected to, the Morrissey family have sought to live their lives in a manner bringing honour to his memory. They represent the values of fairness, respect and commitment to service which PJ’s life reflected.
“We are honoured to be supporting the family and engaging with the people of Belturbet in marking the 40th Anniversary since his passing. PJ is remembered on our memorial quilt, Terrorism knows No Borders which remembered innocents who perished in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
“The Morrissey’s are widely respected across The SEFF Family and our prayers will be with them through these difficult days as yet another milestone anniversary is marked.鈥
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