COSGRAVE, William T. Original Press Photograph of President Cosgrave saluted by the Dublin Civic Guard (President Cosgrave Taking the Salute)

Taken on the front steps of Government Buildings when 1250 Dublin Civic Guards, stationed at the Phoenix Park Depot marched through Dublin to salute the President. Also in the photo are Kevin O’Higgins, Minister for Home Affairs, Ernest Blythe, Minister for Local Government, Hugh Kennedy, Chief Law Advisor of the Free State, and General Sean Mc Keon (The Blacksmith from Ballinalee), GOC Western Command. 215 x 166mm. On verso copyright by Underwood & Underwood. Text dated 3.6.1923. Minute piece of top right-hand corner missing. In near fine condition.
In June 1923, a pivotal moment in the early days of the Irish Free State unfolded when President W. T. Cosgrave was formally saluted by members of the newly established Civic Guard (An Garda Síochána) in Dublin. This event was rich in symbolism, marking both the consolidation of the authority of the Irish Free State and the peaceful aspirations of a nation emerging from the shadow of civil war.
W. T. Cosgrave, President of the Executive Council of the fledgling state, had led the pro-Treaty side through a turbulent and deeply divisive period. The Irish Civil War had only officially ended a few weeks earlier in May 1923, leaving the country physically and emotionally scarred. As such, the act of the Civic Guard saluting Cosgrave was more than a ceremonial gesture; it represented a declaration of allegiance to the democratic institutions of the Free State and a step towards national healing and stability. The Civic Guard itself had been established in 1922 to replace the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and, a force closely aligned with British rule. That June gathering in Dublin was one of the first major public displays of loyalty and unity by the new police force. Eyewitness accounts from the time describe the scene as both dignified and optimistic. President Cosgrave stood solemnly as rows of uniformed Guards saluted him in a crisp, disciplined fashion.

[Cat 162]