Yuku free message boards

Peter

Very nice tribute to your aunt Agnes. I'm sure the lady would approve.

I had an aunt Agnes too, 4th of 7 daughters (plus 3 sons) of my granddad, RIC Sgt Stephen Kirwan 58582; died 19th April 1921 after being wounded in a firefight on the 18th in North Co. Dublin.
Unfortunately my Agnes had Dementia/Alzheimers when I was of an age to ask her questions about anything...
And her younger sister, my Mam Frances, knew virtually nothing about Stephen (well, she was only 18 months old when he died) or how he died. "Blown up by the IRA in an ambush", she'd say as she'd cry at his RIC grave in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin when I was a little brat.
I know a lot more now about his killing than she ever did in her 79 years. Still don't know why HE had to die, though.............

Anyway, I am personally delighted that your Agnes inspired this site.
Selfishly speaking  - all down to your forum:
- I researched more about my GF Stephen's death and the aftermath for my family;
- I found out that a namesake - but no relation of mine - on the "Sinn Fein side" was shot by the RIC in the same incident as Stephen; and was saddened that he died too; 
- I've discovered & met several previously unknown living relatives;
- I learned that my extended family had at least 8 RIC-ers and counting (as well as several officially-recognised 1916 Volunteers/Old IRA, related to the RIC men of course!);
- I've connected with "strangers" in the USA & England with separate but shared/similar RIC and Irish histories;
- Plus I got to see the Irish Police museum at last - and I live in Dublin - with an expert guide (You know who).

Thanks again, Peter.
Long may this forum grow and prosper - and let the environmentally-friendly CFL light shine upon you and Agnes, well after the petrol is gone .

Cheers

Des