The day rank-and-file gardaí rose up

50 years ago, gardaí protested against an unfair pay deal in an action that resonates to this day, writes Austin Kenny

FIFTY years ago, a seminal event took place that was to have a profound impact on An Garda Síochána and the organisations that represent its members, an impact that lasts to this day.

The event was the Macushla mass meeting of gardaí, described by various writers as a “revolt”, “mutiny”, an “incident” and an ‘upheaval’. The incident led to the dismissal of 11 members of the force.