Mick Clifford: Leaving London to host RIC event speaks volumes about our immaturity

Although it served the previous regime, the force was Irish, and we should be able to mark the centenary of its disbandment

Despite operating in Ireland and being made up of Irish people, the only commemoration of the centenary of the disbandment of the RIC police force will take place in London, at St Paul's Cathedral. File picture: PA

The staging of a commemorative event for the Royal Irish Constabulary in London next year speaks volumes about the immaturity of one aspect of Irish society’s approach to history. A police force that was made up of Irish people from most sections of society cannot be remembered in its own country because of fear of the infliction of political damage a century after it was disbanded.

The commemorative service is to take place in St Paul’s Cathedral next April. It is being organised by a group of former gardaí who approached the British Police Roll of Honour Trust, which honours police services primarily in the UK. The trust agreed to mark the centenary of the disbandment of the RIC with a service for relatives. Government representatives and the Garda Commissioner are likely to be invited to attend.