On this day in 1964, the new Garda Training College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary was officially opened by Charles J. Haughey, Minister for Justice and Dan Costigan, Garda Commissioner.
The Training College moved from the Phoenix Park in Dublin to Templemore as part of the Government’s decentralisation programme and the official opening was front page news on that week’s Tipperary Star with the headline ‘Historic Event in Garda History’. Also present for the opening was Most Rev. Dr Thomas Morris, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, who was there to bless the new training college. Templemore Urban Council, chaired by Mr. Seamus McDonnell, accorded a civic welcome to Minister Haughey when he arrived to the Town Hall. The address of welcome was read by Mr. A. Durkan, Town Clerk, who, on behalf of the people of Templemore, presented the Minister with a special memento of the occasion- an inscribed mirror tray manufactured by Tipperary Glass Ltd., Templemore.
Addressing the crowd, Minister Haughey, stated ‘it is difficult not to succumb to the belief that Tipperary is the heart of Ireland. I know of no county in which the atmosphere would be more suitable for the training of our young gardai or where they would be more likely to become imbued with a patriotic outlook and a regard for all that is valuable in Irish life.’
In relation to the new facility, it was a renovation of the existing McCann barracks which was built in the early 1800s and housed British troops until 1922. According the Irish Independent from 21 February 1964, ‘central heating has been installed throughout all the blocks which are now unrecognisable to those who knew them of old. Spacious up-to-date dining halls, an attractive beautifully designed gymnasium, a recreation hall with a spacious dance floor and all concert and dramatic facilities had been added. Town Councillor Sage said that the training centre was ‘the most up to date in Europe today.’ The College cost £560,000 to renovate and took two and a half years to complete.
Templemore was described in the Irish Independent as a ‘pleasant, moderate sized town. Its shops are modern and well-stocked and its people are courteous, friendly and co-operative.’ High praise indeed!
Happy 60th Birthday to the Garda College Templemore! Here’s to the next 60.
