BY GRAHAM MAJOR
In June of 1881, Mr E Ryan was appointed Park Constable at St Stephen's Green which was opened to the public in 1880. Section 15 of the St Stephen's Green (Dublin) Act, 1877, gave the Commissioner of Works powers to appoint Gate Keepers and other necessary officers to maintain order and proper management of the Park. Sections 16 to 20 set out the framework for making and enforcing byelaws.
Section 15 of the St Stephen's Green (Dublin) Act, 1877
Section 15 of the St Stephen's Green (Dublin) Act, 1877
Section 15 of the St Stephen's Green (Dublin) Act, 1877
1911 Visit to Ireland Medal
In April of 1884, Park Constable Charles Doyle was assaulted. A groom was exercising a horse in the Park, contrary to the rules. When the Park Constable interceded the groom struck him with his riding whip, severely cutting his head. The groom was ordered to pay 6/- fines and 10/- compensation.
In 1890, Park Constable James Meara gave evidence, having witnessed a young boy knocked down by a galloping horse in the Park.
In July, 1895 Park Constable John Connell, acted as prosecution for a man arrested for committing an act of public indecency, i.e. bathing in a fountain. He was fined 10/-.
In 1911, Park Constables John Delaney, Patrick Mulhall and John Purcell were awarded the Visit to Ireland Medal. James Taylor was dismissed before his Medal was awarded so it was returned to the Mint.
In June 1917, Park Constable John Dolan gave evidence against a man who had been summonsed for not having his dog under proper control in the Park.
With the creation of the Irish Free State the Service continued, but now under the administration of the new Irish Government. Indeed, the titles of Park Constable and Gate Keeper remained in use until 1989, when the current Ranger service was formed.
Sources
- Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
- Belfast News-Letter, 18 June 1881
- Dublin Daily Express, 08 April 1884, 03 January 1890
- Irish Times, 31 July 1895
- Evening Herald, 22 June 1917
