Remembering 1919 policemen - A century waiting

It took generations for the contribution Irish people made to Allied world war victories to be recognised. Our past, and its undeniable horrors, made reaching that point difficult.

However, that belated recognition has served as a welcome opportunity to strengthen relationships right across these islands.

That evolution continued at the weekend when Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan became the first government minister to attend a commemoration service for policemen killed by the IRA in the War of Independence.

He was a guest at the annual interdenominational service for members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), held at Mount Argus in Dublin.

That it has taken a century for this point to be reached is significant but not as significant as the fact that it has been reached.

The 11 RIC and four DMP men killed during the first year of the War of Independence were, as Mr Flanagan said, “doing what police officers do.

As they saw it they were protecting communities from harm.” This official recognition is welcome, important and symbolic.