46 Men Dead: The Royal Irish Constabulary in County Tipperary 1919–22

by John Reynolds

The Royal Irish Constabulary – the RIC – has long been portrayed as the ‘eyes and ears of Dublin Castle’, an oppressive colonial force policing its fellow Irishmen. But the truth is a bit closer to home. Many members were Irishmen who joined because it was a secure job with prospects and a pension at the end of service. In January 1919 the IRA began their campaign against the RIC with the Soloheadbeg ambush. In the four bloody years that followed, 493 members were killed and hundreds more were injured. Forty-six policemen were killed in Tipperary alone, making it one of most violent counties in Ireland.

218 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Brian Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating account of a neglected aspect of the Independence struggle

A well researched and very readable account of how the Independence struggle played out in one Irish county. The local focus enables a richer and deeper understanding of how the war was perceived by those who lived through it. The fear and uncertainty felt by RIC men and their families when the force was finally dissolved at the end of the conflict led to many fleeing the country they had set out to serve and protect. Even after the Treaty was signed, threats and reprisals continued. The author does an effective job of reminding us of this and other frequently neglected aspects of the era.

On a lighter note, his account of the bleeding statues of Templemore is worth the book's price by itself.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written with important dates and people.