Sergeant Richard (Dick) Hearns joined the Garda in 1928 aged 21, having previously served in the Irish Army where he had qualified as a physical training
instructor. He became interested in boxing and entered a number of contests near his native Ballina. Garda Commissioner Eoin O'Duffy heard about his boxing
prowess, and being keen to promote the sport in the force, ensured that Hearns was taken on as a recruit. He was a boxer in the Garda from 1928 until 1939 and
then served as Drill Instructor for new recruits at the Garda Depot in Phoenix Park, Dublin from 1939 to 1964 when he retired.
This scene taken around 1930 in Ballina and shows Hearns with a collection of trophies, his sister in the background.
With thanks to forum member The Third Policeman, whose photo this is.
This scene taken around 1930 in Ballina and shows Hearns with a collection of trophies, his sister in the background.
With thanks to forum member The Third Policeman, whose photo this is.
Sgt Dick Hearns
