The Royal Irish Constabulary Forum

William Vesey Harrel.( Assistant-Commissioner D.M.P. 1902-1914 )

feeds@yuku.com (ballyroughan) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:39:38 PST

Hi Dez W.
As you have produced on this site, some wonderful work on, R.I.C. and D.M.P. burials in Dublin Cemeteries, was wondering and ask if there was such burials on the same scale, in Deans Grange, Cemetery, at Blackrock, Dublin, only i have found in my notes reference to one, William Vesey Harrel, who died on 4th May 1956 aged 88, and is buried in Deans Grange Cemetery Dublin. South West, Section, Part One, N.138.
And as he was the son of Sir David Harrel, who had been Chief Commissioner D.M.P. 1883-1902, both may well be buried in a family plot at Deans Grange...

Samuel Laird

feeds@yuku.com (Kretser) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:22:58 PST

Hello:

I'm new to this site, and would like first to say that I enjoy reading a number of the posts.

Now for a little of why I'm trying to find information of Samuel Laird on this forum.

Samuel Laird is my gr-gr-grandfather, that has been a very hard person to find, as I have been doing my family ancestry.
I final find him after close to 20 years of searching by accident of reading a number archive newpapers from Canada.

Samuel Laird
b. abt 1839 Antrim, Ireland (from a newspaper article)
m. abt 1871 to a Sarah Donaldson. (they came to Canada in Jul of 1871)
d. Oct 23, 1917. Acton, Canada

In one of the newpaper articles, it was stated he would regale the listeners about his time with the (Royal) Irish Constabulary.
So, I am hoping someone can help me, with any information about his service with the Constabulary.

Thank you
Bruce Kretser

Early Gardai in Cork 1926

feeds@yuku.com (Peter Mc RIC) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:44:54 PST

Two nice photos of a member of the early Gardai Siochana, Cork 1926. This is William J Woods, son of Sergeant Meryn R Woods of the DMP.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/w77t/3908871687/in/pool-634483@N20/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/w77t/3910072042/in/pool-634483@N20/

(by kind permission of 'Painting in Light', Flickr, all rights reserved)

A DSPCA Medallion to the DMP

feeds@yuku.com (Peter Mc RIC) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:29:45 PST

Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals bronze medallion presented to Constable Mervyn Woods of the Dublin Metropolitan Police in 1903.

Mervyn Woods. Born 1877 - Died 1945. Joined the D.M.P. April 1898 and attained the rank of sergeant -pensioned July 1923

At the time of this award Constable Mervyn Woods was stationed in ‘F’division...

const john dairus kelly r.i.c.

feeds@yuku.com (mike126) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:32:18 PST

hello
i have been ask to try to find any in formation on john dairus kelly his g/grand son thinks he was still in r..i c. 1921/1922 then came to belfast to join r.u.c. any help would be great as you can see not much info ref dates only 1921/1922 if i can find his service no i can go to proni belfast and get his service file
mike

Further Info

feeds@yuku.com (JackFknTwist) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:09:32 PST

My great Grandfather , Michael Ashe served in Limerick in 1869; Galway West 1879; Galway East 1879; Queen's County 1887; Tipperary S.R. 1890.
Retired 1894 ........after 25 years service.
He was from Kerry........I have seen a post referring to James Ashe, son of James Ashe and Mary Deane of Upper Camp.
My Grandfather knew James Ashe owner ot that Pub in the 1950's. So my grandfather may have been related to those Ashes.
The Post I'm refering to was under the heading "Hanafin Family Genealogy".....but I can't seem to register on it ! Help !

Great Grandfather Michael Ashe

feeds@yuku.com (JackFknTwist) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:45:38 PST

Dudes, I'm trying to follow my Great Grandfather. He was in RIC in 1870's. His Record No: was35771. I believe he was born in Kerry, probably on the Dingle Peninsula. He was stationed in Galway in1882 and in Tipperary in 1895 ( dates are an approximation).
That's it.......that's all I know. I have him on the 1901 Census and the 1911 Census , living in Limerick. But I guess I'm looking for anything else. I would appreciate any information......i know it's a long shot. thanks.

Great Grandfather Michael Ashe

feeds@yuku.com (JackFknTwist) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:45:38 PST

old Gilmartin photo Sligo

feeds@yuku.com (rayw53) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:04:54 PST

I am trying to find out a bit about this old photo that we found in my wife's family house gear Tubbercurry Sligo.

The location of the house is Magheranore , and the family name is Gilmartin, the possibilities in the family are Patrick Gilmartin b1851, and his 2 sons Patrick 1874 and Thomas 1876.

If anyone can help identify the location or confirm that these are Gilmartins I will be really grateful.

http://www.flickr.com/pho...ywheelergx20/6635728057/

Beggar's Bush mails captured 14/12/1920.

feeds@yuku.com (Dez) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:38:42 PST

It had been the custom for some time, for several Auxiliary Cadets in a Ford touring car, to call every morning at the Ballsbridge Post Office and receive the mailbag for Beggar's Bush Barracks. At about 9:00 am on Tuesday morning the 14th December 1920, a group of armed civilians took up positions on Pembroke Road and held up all the Tramway traffic to and from Dublin. One of this group in addition in addition to having an automatic pistol was also armed with a rifle. A further section of the attacking party had taken up a position in a laneway leading on to Shelbourne Road and opening onto that thoroughfare, nearly opposite the Post Office. This latter party was largely concealed in the laneway, and the thoroughfare presented its customarily quiet aspect, when the Ford car drew up at the Post Office door a few minutes after 9:00...

ENLISTED MEN IN THE AUXILIARY DIVISION R.I.C.

feeds@yuku.com (Dez) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:51:58 PST

It is usually taken for granted that the Temporary Cadets of the Auxiliary Division had to be ex-officers of the British and Commonwealth Forces who had held a commission.     There were some exceptions, for example the twelve officers recruited from the Mercantile Marine, whose expert knowledge with merchant shipping was so essential to "Q" Company's work in the ports.     More unusual was the inclusion of a few enlisted men, of whom little is known beyond their service details.

No. 1196      Private T.J. O'Rourke, who joined as a Temporary Cadet on 8th Dec. 1920 and was posted to "F" Company.     He was transferred to "I" Company on 28th May 1921.     He re-engaged for a further term on 26th Sept. 1921 and remained with the Division until disbandment on 19th Jan. 1922

No. 1617      Private T.W. Reid, who joined as a...

Another source for RIC Service Records - only in Dublin

feeds@yuku.com (DesW) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:21:49 PST

Just to let people know that there are copies of the PRO/National Archives (UK) RIC Service Records on microfilm (made by LDS) available for those holding a Reader's Ticket at The Dublin City Archive, 1st floor, Dublin City Library, 138 - 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.
They also have some (limited) Nominal Returns and Intelligence Notices on microfilm.
To get a Ticket, see http://www.dublincity.ie/...%20room/Pages/index.aspx
You can then ask for and search those microfilms at no charge.
They have hardcopy indexes to help plus a copy of Jim Herlihy's book listing all RIC members and his RIC Genealogical...

Thomas Spence & the Royal Irish Constabulary Index

feeds@yuku.com (falger) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:34:12 PST

I have been trying to locate the origin of my ancestor Jane Spence. She married in Australia in 1868 and her marriage certificate stated her father was Thomas Spence a policeman. All I know is Jane was born approximately 1849 in Ireland and probably CofI (as she married in the rights of CofE&I and all her children were CofE).

A few years back I looked up The Royal Irish Constabulary Index 1816-1921 on microfiche at my local LDS FHC. I only found one Thomas Spence in the expected date range – his details on LDS film 0856058 are as follows:

No 7138
Name Thomas Spence
Age when appointed 20
Height 5’ 11”
Native County Donegal
Religion Protestant
Recommendation Thomas Barton J.P
Trade or Calling Farmer
Date of...

Saving Sergeant Kirwan (From total obscurity) - a work in progress

feeds@yuku.com (DesW) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:24:39 PST

I never met my Maternal Granddad. I've spent the past 3 years trying to get to know something about him...

I hope this effort of mine will help or inspire other forum members to use the many sources of info to find more about your own RIC ancestors.

Stephen Kirwan was RIC No. 58582. Bit hard to take in a 1950’s Irish home with my parents still on each side of The Civil War. My Dad ruled the roost and our heads. But, Stephen’s daughter Frances my Mam, ruled our hearts.
When I was a kid we’d regularly visit Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, to pay respects to our departed elders.
Here was the grave of William (1882-1949) my Dad’s father from Clonakilty; and his wife, Annie née Harrington (1884-1959) from Co Roscommon, a Gran I do not have good memories of (Has your Mother ever lived in...

Glasnevin plot of John O'Connor, Ex-RIC Sergeant in Co Wicklow, late of Enniskerry.

feeds@yuku.com (DesW) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:40:05 PST

I stumbled across this man's headstone recently.
Unusually, it shows where he was born as well as the RIC stations he served in (all in Co Wicklow).
The inscription reads:

Erected in memory of
John O'Connor ex R.I.C.
Late of Enniskerry
who died 3rd August 1901 aged 48 years
Born in Bunadreen*, Mastergeehy, Co Kerry
and was stationed in Wicklow,
Ashford, Rathnew and Aughrim
of which Station
he had been Sergeant for many years
His Comrades of the R.I.C.
and his Numerous Other Friends
have showed their Affection and Regard for him
by erecting this Stone to his Memory
May he Rest in Peace Amen
Also to the memory of
Henrietta Martin
late of 32 Crumlin Road, Dublin
who died 5th August 1953.
R.I.P.
{* Now spelled Bunaderreen}

DesW

Somebody still cares - RIC Plot Glasnevin & Christmas wreaths, 2011

feeds@yuku.com (DesW) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:32:03 PST

I saw that two Christmas wreaths had been anonymously placed on the plot about a week before Christmas.
DesW

and close-up of one wreath:

The Lady Police Searchers, Ireland, 1920-22.

feeds@yuku.com (ballyroughan) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:57:05 PST

Copy of Resolution of the Representative Body of Head Constables, Sergeants and Constables of the R.I.C.
re, The Lady Police Searchers.
Royal Irish...

Irish Military Archives

feeds@yuku.com (Peter Mc RIC) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:16:40 PST

From RTE News 3 Jan 2012 -

Ireland's Military Archives are available online for the first time.

The Archives, which are held in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines in Dublin, can now be accessed via a new website - militaryarchives.ie.

The site has been launched in conjunction with the National Archives of Ireland, and is designed to appeal to historians, genealogists and members of the public researching their family tree.

By March, it plans to publish the Bureau of Military History Collection 1913 to 1921, online, including 36,000 pages of witness statements, digitised and fully word searchable.

This will be followed by the first release of the Military Service Pensions Project - material which the Defence Forces say "will provide a major and never before seen insight into the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence in particluar".

Question about flashes, buttons and insignia

feeds@yuku.com (a6skin9) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:53:24 PST
Looking at photographs of members of the ADRIC wearing the OR service dress jacket I've noticed that the buttons are darkened and not light coloured brass. Were the buttons brass King's Crown buttons that had been darkened or were the buttons changed?
Secondly, I would like to enquire if Companies C and J had their own distinctive balmoral flashes and if so what would they have looked like?
I would also like to know about the letters T C worn on the shoulder straps of the ADRIC jackets. What size were they, fonts used and if there is any evidence they were worn on the OR service dress jackets.
I sincerely appreciate any help I help I can get to these questions.