Career
He joined the Garda Síochána on 14 December 1960 and was promoted to Sergeant on 24 October 1974. He was stationed at Collon County Louth for a number of years before his death. He also served at he also served at Tramore, Drogheda, Dundrum, Stepaside, Fitzgibbon Street, Whitehall, Bridewell and Headquarters An experienced diver and life saver he played a major role in the development of the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit.
Sergeant
Morrissey was at Ardee courthouse for a sitting of the local court when he was found out about the raid at the employment exchange in Ardee. He joined two Ardee based Gardai in their patrol car who were shot at by the robbers. Near Tallanstown the robbers,who had switched from a car to a motorcycle, collided with an approaching car injuring its occupants.
Two of the Gardai stayed with the injured persons while Sergeant Morrissey, alone and on foot, pursued the raiders.
As he caught up with them a shot was fired and he fell to the ground grievously wounded. One of the gunmen stood over him and at point blank range shot the Sergeant dead.
Raidió Teilifís Éireann Security Correspondent at the time, Tom McCaughren, described it as "an execution".
