Ireland Case No. 11668Murder · Co. Clare · 28 Dec 1925
Centenary commemorations in Fanore for Garda Thomas Dowling, killed in 1925
A centenary commemoration is due in Fanore, Co Clare, for Garda Thomas Dowling, who was shot dead in an ambush near Fanore on 28 December 1925. The article gives the history of the killing and the subsequent investigation, in which the accused were acquitted.
- Reported
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports7 statements extracted from the articles
- whereGarda Dowling was ambushed by a group of armed men near Fanore. (clareecho.ie)
- whenThe ambush happened on the night of 28 December 1925 while the gardaí were returning to Fanore Garda Station after a bicycle patrol. (clareecho.ie)
- causeThe attack is believed to have been motivated by local dislike of the gardaí over their suppression of poteen distillation. (clareecho.ie)
- weaponGarda Dowling was shot during the ambush. (clareecho.ie)
- investigationA rigorous and somewhat controversial investigation of the murder took place. (clareecho.ie)
- courtThe prosecutions that followed ultimately ended with those accused being acquitted. (clareecho.ie)
- otherA commemoration for Garda Dowling is scheduled at Craggagh Graveyard at 14:00 on Sunday 28 December 2025. (clareecho.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 26 Dec2025Centenary commemorations in Fanore for first Garda killed on-duty in Clare - Clare Echo
Historical feature published as a centenary commemoration notice. It covers the 1925 killing of Garda Thomas Dowling, the commemoration event, the investigation and the acquittals. No current case is matched.
victim, Thomas Dowling, irish (judged from name)Thomas Dowling