Saturday, December 05, 2009

New Book on Policing in West Offaly 1814 - 1922

Book Launch - Policing in West Offaly 1814-1922 by Brendan Ryan.
A new book on the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) by Brendan Ryan, Ferbane, will be launched next Friday night at 8.00pm, in the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society premises at Bury Quay, Tullamore. All are welcome. This important book will shed new light on a force that is often maligned (when it is not being ignored), and how it went about its policing duties in the 100 years leading up to the country's independence.
The book will be on sale at a competitive price of €15.00.

Flooding Recedes.
The river level at the bridge was down to 5.23 meters yesterday. The pumps have been turned off and the road through the village reopened yesterday after 13 days.

1911 Census Shannonbridge - RIC Barracks.
The 1911 Census shows 6 policemen in Shannonbridge - a Sergeant and 5 Constables. Their ages were 45, 44, 35, 30, 26 and 26. Their professions were given as draper's assistant, farmers sons and hardware business, all were Roman Catholics and came from Roscommon, Mayo, Westmeath, Monaghan, Quieen's Co and Tipperary NR. Interestingly, their names were not stated on the census form, just their initials. Presumably this was a "security" measure, although every one local would know who they were! Want to know more? - book launch next Friday.

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