On 21st May 2033, the day of Brian Murphy’s funeral at Glenstal Abbey, my BLOG was headed
FATHER BRIAN MURPHY O.S.B. RIP.
I think it is worth reading.
The Irish Political Review is reprinting instalments from his archilve and Instalment 5 (August 2023) deals with, among other things the attempt to have the nation commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary
In a rare spirit of openness THE IRISH TIMES published Father Murphy’s letter, dated 4 January 2020 which included –
“Unfortunately the words of Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, which are quoted to justify the commemoratiion fail to recognise the real role of the police at that time….”
Murphy quoted the meeting of Dail Eireann of 10th April 1919 when its President, Eamon de Valera
said of the RIC..”They are no ordinary police force, as police are in other countries. The RIC,unlike any police force in the world, is a military body armed with rifle and bayonet and revolver as well as baton..they are spies in our midst.”
He then quoted Eoin MacNeill …”The police force in Ireland area force of spies.The police force in Ireland are a force of traitors and the police force in Ireland are a force of perjurers…….that was why you should take such measures as will make police government in this country by the enemy impossible.”
Father Brian sent a letter to in September 2021 to THE IRISH EXAMINER (wholly owned by THE IRISH TIMES) which that paper hadn’t got the balls to print.
On Sept 7th 2021 one Michael Clifford had an article “Ireland has a problem remembering dead policemen” , Father Brian described the role of the RIC from August 1914 until their disbandment,
explaining why the concept of commemorating them was grotesque. Sufficient citizens in 1971
demonstrated that the role of the RIC was, quite properly lodged in their consciousness, with
the result that the Flanagan inspired Commemoration was abandoned.
Comments are closed.