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.

Have we forgotten that it was the RIC who fired indiscriminately into the crowd in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday in 1920, killing 14 innocent spectators and players? This was the police force tasked with enforcing British rule despite the rejection of this rule in the 1918 General Election.

Why would members of the RGSA wish to stand in obsequiousness to those members of the RIC and Black and Tans who sacked and burned more than 300 buildings in Cork City in an act of reprisal in 1921?

This unruly mob displayed an absolute indifference to civilised policing. Even the commander of this undisciplined group, General Frank Crozier, resigned in protest at the deployment of these men.

Tom Cooper

Knocklyon

Dublin 16