An Garda Síochána has launched its Garda Centenary Online Photographic Archive 1922–2022 as part of its current centenary celebrations.
Twenty years ago, thousands of historical photographs captured by the unit formerly known as the Garda Photographic Section were discovered and work began on their conservation and restoration.
The images were on fragile glass plate negatives, mainly 6X4 inch in size, and had been placed in storage in 1979. It required painstaking work to digitise them.
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| A brochure was produced to support the launch. Download your own copy by clicking the image above. 44Mb pdf. |
These significant photographs, which document important periods both in Irish history and in the evolution of An Garda Síochána through the decades, have never before been available to view, free of charge, by the public.
Speaking at the launch, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “The foundation of An Garda Síochána as Ireland’s unarmed, national police and security service was a pivotal moment in Irish history, and the photographs now available on our online archive ensure that they are in permanent record for generations to come.
"It is our hope that the public and those who had loved ones involved in An Garda Síochána can flick through these photographs and be reminded of times gone by. We hope that those who are retired or serving in An Garda Síochána will recognise former colleagues and friends."
