Bertie odds-on in a gamble with history

THE general election revealed a surprising historical connection with the War of Independence.

This was provided by the placing of a bet by JP McManus with bookmakers William Hill that Bertie Ahern would be returned as Taoiseach.

According to the reminiscences of IRA commander Tom Barry, the founder of the William Hill company had served as a Black and Tan in Co Cork .

Barry was not only clear that Hill was a Black and Tan, but also that he was a ‘good’ Black and Tan.’

Barry’s words may be of interest to some, historians and gamblers alike. “The Black and Tans”, he wrote, “included good and bad, like every armed force you meet, and quite a number of them were rather decent men. One of them was a fellow named William Hill.

“Well, William Hill and Co are now the biggest turf accountant in the world, I suppose. At that time Hill was stationed in Mallow and he was a very good fellow and a very jolly fellow. He’d come in and have a pint and he never insulted anyone or did anything to anyone.

“He’s now a millionaire many times over, of course, but at that time he was there simply because there was no work to be found in Britain. I understand that he got on very well with the IRA up in that district” (as recorded in Curious Journey by Kenneth Griffith).

At a time when events of historical significance have recently taken place — the power sharing at Stormont, the accord of unionists and republicans at the site of the battle of the Boyne and Mr Ahern’s address to the British Houses of Parliament — it may be worth an historical footnote that a company founded by a Black and Tan was associated with the FF election success! JP is to be congratulated not only for winning his bet, as seems probable, but also for selecting a ‘good Black and Tan’ company with which to do business.

Dr Brian P Murphy OSB

Glenstal Abbey

Murroe

Co Limerick