Honouring RIC members an affront to victims

In what is yet a further effort to undermine and muddy the narrative of Irish history by conferring a bogus respectability on the actions of the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries during the Irish War of Independence, former garda Gerry Lovett has organised a church service for those RIC members killed opposing Irish independence.

How can one honour the RIC without also honouring the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries who were an integral element of policing in Ireland during the 1919-1922 period? To do so would be an affront to all who suffered appalling abuses from this group of uniformed thugs who spread terror throughout nationalist Ireland.

Reports indicate the event will be attended by an official representative of the Garda Commissioner and the likelihood a government minister will also be present is regrettable, reflecting our low self-esteem.