Mayo man served on Al Capone beat

IT is extraordinary how many Irish emigrants joined the American police force after emigrating to the US, writes Johnny Mee. Irish-born police and sons of Irish emigrants played heroic roles during the tragic bombing by terrorists in New York some years ago.

Sergeant Patrick O’Malley, a native of Corha, Islandeady, Castlebar, emigrated to America as a young man.

Shortly after arriving in the US, O’Malley joined the police force in Chicago and quickly made his mark as an efficient, fearless and determined officer.

After a short time in the force, Sergeant O’Malley was assigned to what was known as the Capone beat, the most dangerous strip of land in Chicago.

Al Capone was the most daring criminal in America at the time, a leading figure in the Mafia, totally ruthless and without fear.

During a visit to his native Islandeady with his American-born wife Josephine, Sergeant O’Malley recalled one particular incident in which he was involved. This included a high-speed chase through the thronged streets of Chicago in pursuit of a car driven by Al Capone and his henchmen.

It was like a scene from a gangster movie, but this was the real thing, with shots being sprayed in all directions.

This was a far cry from the peaceful village of Corha and surrounding areas where Patrick O’Malley was reared.

Sergeant O’Malley, an unassuming man, visited his native Corha on a number of occasions and was pleased to meet his old schoolmates and neighbours.

In Chicago he was a personal friend of Phil Heenan, orchestra leader, whose wife, the former May Fallon, a very affable lady, now lives in McHale Road, Castlebar, after spending many years in Chicago. May is sister of Joan Redmond, Sean, Pat and Michael Fallon, Castlebar, and Breege, Chicago.

Patrick O’Malley has a number of relatives living in Islandeady.

* Article from Johnny Mee's 'Ould Stock' column – read it every Tuesday in our print and digital editions