GAUGHAN, J. Anthony. Memoirs of Constable Jeremiah Mee, R.I.C. With illustrations and folding map.

RARE R.I.C. CONSTABLE’S BIOGRAPHY

Dublin: Anvil Books, 1975. First edition. Octavo. pp. 397. Green papered boards, title in gilt on spine. A fine copy in near fine unclipped dust jacket with tissue repair to a few nicks. Very scarce.
The Royal Irish Constabulary was an outstanding body of men, and Jeremiah Mee from Glenamaddy, County Galway, was perhaps one of the most remarkable of all. The mere fact that this young constable kept a journal singles him out for distinction. It covers in detail that epoch in Irish history from the Rebellion to Free State. His early years saw service in Sligo and North Roscommon. By 1919 he was in Listowel and on the 17th of June the following year, the local R.I.C. were ordered to use terror methods against suspected ‘Republicans’ and to hand over their barracks to the British military. Fourteen constables decided not to obey orders. Mee acted as their spokesman to the commanding officer, saying “From your accent I take it you are an Englishman. Do you forget you are addressing Irishmen?”

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