Paddy Carroll

Paddy Carroll was an active member of the IRA during the war of independence between 1919–21. He was commissioned into the National Army in 1922 and served as a military policeman until 1923 when he joined the Garda Siochána (the national police and security service of the Republic of Ireland). He served with them for 43 years and ultimately rose to the rank of Commissioner in 1967, the year before his retirement, when he became a director of the Chubb lock and safe company. Carroll was also a qualified barrister, although he never practised.

Carroll was the supremo of Irish boxing for more than 30 years as president of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) between 1939–75. He also served the Olympic Council of Ireland in various roles between 1947-76, including secretary, treasurer, and president, an office Carroll held from 1973 until the time of his death. He was also president of the Garda Golfing Society.

Carroll only handed over the reigns at the IABA to concentrate on Ireland’s involvement at the Montréal Olympics in his role with the Olympic Council of Ireland. Unfortunately, Carroll died suddenly in December 1975 and never got to see the Games. Carroll´s youngest daughter Mella was the first woman to serve as a High Court judge in Ireland.