Born in 1861 at Lisronagh, Co Tipperary, to a poor landless family, Sgt. Patrick Lyons, 'The Antiquarian Policeman' , served with the Royal Irish Constabulary from 1886 - 1920. While stationed in the West of Ireland, he developed a keen interest in documenting the field-monuments he noticed on his patrols. His discovery of four Ogham stones at Ballyhaunis in 1897 led to a correspondence with Hubert Knox, a renowned Mayo Antiquarian who lived near Ballinrobe. Together the two men produced a series of articles for leading academic journals including the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society Journal. Lyons’ photographs, measurements, and interpretation of the field monuments described was greatly appreciated and highly regarded. Much of his work and photographs are preserved in the NUIG library today.
Out of modesty, and fear that the R.I.C. would frown on his 'antiquarian craze', he preferred not to be acknowledged by name, although he was much admired for his fine mind and dedicated antiquarian 'policework' by those few with whom he shared his interest. His work did not go unnoticed by his colleagues though; they were kind enough to publish the following in the Irish Times of June 16 1906:
"Sergeant Lyons, of Ballyhaunis, devotes his leasure moments in a decidely novel and interesting manner. Being a skilled archeologist and antiquarian, he has already done much to preserve all that is known in history or tradition about the historical remains in the county of "Kierraige" or Costello barony, with his camera and pen.
He has discovered numerous crannogs or lake dwellings since the operations of the Congested Districts drained the lakes, and his collection of photographs of the different places is invaluable".
After serving for 34 years in the RIC, mainly in Galway and Mayo, Sgt Lyons 51842 retired in 1920 and returned to County Tipperary. He is shown in the 1911 census as serving at Ballyhaunis, aged 49 and single.
A remarkable book has been published on this individual entitled -
“An 'Antiquarian Craze'. The life, times and work in archeology of Patrick Lyons RIC (1861 – 1954)”. By Maire Lohan; Dublin, Eamonn De Burca 2008.
To bring to light his remarkable work, this book draws on Lyons ' own notes and photographs (preserved by N.U.I. Galway and the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland), archived local newspapers and an overview of the social and political history of his times.
A quiet, unassuming man, Lyons died in 1954 and lies buried in an unmarked grave in his native Clonmel. His major contribution to Irish archaeology deserves to be acknowledged in print at last.
Out of modesty, and fear that the R.I.C. would frown on his 'antiquarian craze', he preferred not to be acknowledged by name, although he was much admired for his fine mind and dedicated antiquarian 'policework' by those few with whom he shared his interest. His work did not go unnoticed by his colleagues though; they were kind enough to publish the following in the Irish Times of June 16 1906:
"Sergeant Lyons, of Ballyhaunis, devotes his leasure moments in a decidely novel and interesting manner. Being a skilled archeologist and antiquarian, he has already done much to preserve all that is known in history or tradition about the historical remains in the county of "Kierraige" or Costello barony, with his camera and pen.
He has discovered numerous crannogs or lake dwellings since the operations of the Congested Districts drained the lakes, and his collection of photographs of the different places is invaluable".
After serving for 34 years in the RIC, mainly in Galway and Mayo, Sgt Lyons 51842 retired in 1920 and returned to County Tipperary. He is shown in the 1911 census as serving at Ballyhaunis, aged 49 and single.
A remarkable book has been published on this individual entitled -
“An 'Antiquarian Craze'. The life, times and work in archeology of Patrick Lyons RIC (1861 – 1954)”. By Maire Lohan; Dublin, Eamonn De Burca 2008.
To bring to light his remarkable work, this book draws on Lyons ' own notes and photographs (preserved by N.U.I. Galway and the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland), archived local newspapers and an overview of the social and political history of his times.
A quiet, unassuming man, Lyons died in 1954 and lies buried in an unmarked grave in his native Clonmel. His major contribution to Irish archaeology deserves to be acknowledged in print at last.
