Come on, flat-foot rozzer. Can you run? Come and have a go
March 30, 1949
Incident in Kimmage
In Dublin District Court today, Justice O’Flynn heard testimony regarding an altercation involving three defendants on Sundrive Road on the night of January 22nd. One of the accused allegedly shouted at a Garda, “Come on, flat-foot rozzer. Can you run? Come and have a go.”
The three men, Patrick Meade (23), unemployed, James Meade (18), a messenger, and Thomas Nugent (19), unemployed, all from Lismore Road, were charged with using threatening and abusive language, assaulting Garda James Hannigan (D156), maliciously damaging a uniform greatcoat valued at £1 10s, and obstruction.
Testimony from Garda Hannigan
At a previous hearing, Garda Hannigan stated he was on cycle patrol along Sundrive Road when he encountered a disorderly crowd. He asked them to disperse, but they remained. One of them called out derogatory names such as “rozzer” and “flat-foot.” When asked to move on, the men adopted a confrontational stance. Patrick Meade allegedly kicked Garda Hannigan, struck him in the chest, and tore his greatcoat. The Garda was knocked to the ground before Garda Cronin arrived to assist. Despite resistance, the Garda managed to apprehend the men.
Eyewitness Account
Joan Coady of Slievenamon House, Sundrive Road, testified that she witnessed the incident from her home around 10:30 p.m. She heard shouting and saw four men and a Garda on the road. The Garda was asking the men to either go home or to the barracks, but they refused. She observed the men trying to drag the Garda to the ground, and one of them suggested getting a brick to attack him.
Further Testimony
Teresa Coady, Joan’s sister, corroborated this account, adding that she heard the men using foul language and saw one of them go to a nearby dump to get a brick. When he returned, the Garda had already been removed in a car.
Garda Cronin testified that he found a crowd outside a shop at the corner of Sundrive Road. When he approached and asked them to move on, they initially complied but stopped again shortly after. He heard someone shout, “Come on, flat-foot rozzer. Can you run? Come and have a go.” Patrick Meade then grabbed Garda Hannigan’s coat, and James Meade and Thomas Nugent rushed in. Despite Garda Cronin’s efforts to break up the altercation, Patrick Meade kicked him on the knee. Cronin admitted using his baton to push the crowd back but denied striking anyone.
Additional Court Proceedings
Station Sergeant John Hayes testified that when Patrick Meade was brought to the station, he used foul language and refused to provide his address. The accused resisted and had to be physically placed in a cell.
During cross-examination, Sergeant Hayes denied hearing any guards threatening or assaulting the defendants. He also refuted claims that the injuries on Patrick Meade’s face were inflicted at the station.
The case has been adjourned for further evidence.