M. J. Greer.

The Roscommon Herald, Boyle - Saturday February 26^th 1921.

Daylight Attack in Dublin - Three Constables Shot Down: About 2pm on Wednesday three Constables where shot dead near Dublin Castle. Thursday’s Irish Times says; Constable Daniel Hoey, Single (33) a native of Kings County, who had just completed his ninth year in the Constabulary. Constable M. J. Greer (28) single, who joined the force at the outbreak of the War. Constable Edward McDonagh (25) single of Galway, who had been in the constabulary for three years.

The Constables, all tall men and attired in civilian garb were attacked at the junction of Parliament and Essex St. at a time when most work people were abroad from their businesses places for replacements. Hoey, Greer and McDonagh went out for lunch from the Castle, where they had been employed as orderlies. They walked in company down Parliament St. towards the river but had not reached the footpath at the Essex St. crossing when eight civilians carrying revolvers, stepped quietly along from the Dolphin Hotel quarter and barred their path. Each of the civilians fired directly at the constables.

A Race for Life: The attack on Greer and Hoey was almost instantly fatal. McDonagh the youngest of the three, also fell but he recovered himself and ran as well as wounds allowed him towards the bridge. Two of his assailants again fired at him, and he changed his direction, turning back and dashing towards Mr Honan’s Tobacco shop. McDonagh gained the refuge of the shop barely before another hail of bullets struck the door. He tried to jump over the counter and a bullet directed at him from the street smashed the glass of the inner door. Mr Honan assisted the man to a room at the back of the shop where he was attended . He was wounded badly in the chest and leg.

The attack had obviously been carefully planned. In the public excitement that followed the shooting it became comparatively easy  for the armed men to escape without risk of being immediately pursed. No quest for them was made till people could collect their wits and till the authorities at Dublin Castle had been informed and a lorry full of Auxiliaries arrived in the street. Many where then ”held up” and searched in the area widely radiating form the scene of the shooting. One arrest was made. Military activity in the area continued four after the bodies of the constables had been taken by the crown conveyance to King George V hospital. A remarkable feature of the affair is that while so many people in the street while the first attack was made and the shots where sent after McDonagh no one except the men assailed was hurt. (It is stated that Constable Greer is a native of Cootehall district, North Roscommon.)

The Roscommon Herald, Boyle. - Saturday March 5^th, 1921.

The late Constable Martin J. Greer, who was shot dead in Parliament St, Dublin and who was the eldest son of Ex Sergeant Greer, Ex R.I.C.  Cootehall, Boyle, was interred in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin on Saturday with full military honours. Martin J. Greer was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Co Dublin. In the Grave are two other R.I.C. Constables, Charles Binion who died 26^th February 1921, who’s address was given as Gormanstown Camp Co Meath and Michael Hallisy who died 30^th March 1921 and who’s address as given as Police Barracks, Lucan. (The grave was reused in 1982).

On the 1901 census Martin Greer is listed in Kiltoom R.I.C. Barracks with his Parents, and on the 1911 Census he is listed with his brother James in a Shop in Church St, Boyle, Co Roscommon. His father James Greer was stationed in Cootehall Barracks.

Research: K. Snow. 2010

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