There will be traffic restrictions this afternoon in the Loughglynn area as a monument to honour Detective Garda John Morley and Garda Henry Byrne, who were murdered while on duty, on July 7, 1980, will be unveiled at Shannon’s Cross.

The Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan will unveil the monument.

A book featuring stories and memories from local people, colleagues and friends recalling the shocking events of that time, will also be launched today.

On that July day, 37 years ago, John Morley and Henry Byrne, both natives of Knock parish, were in a car carrying four gardaí that confronted raiders who had robbed the Bank of Ireland in Ballaghaderreen a short time earlier.

The tragedy that shook the nation at the time took place at Shannon’s Cross, close to the county Roscommon village of Loughglynn. 

John Morley had enjoyed national status as one of Mayo’s top footballers during the 1960s and into the 70s.  John and Henry also lined out with Kiltimagh and the Byrne-Morley tournament was hosted by the club in their memory for many years. 

Members of the Morley and Byrne families will be joined this afternoon by friends and colleagues and people from the locality and much further afield for the unveiling.