History to come alive in Offaly village

If the idea of stepping back in time to one of the most dramatic chapters in Irish history appeals to you, then Shinrone Heritage Group are inviting everyone to Cloughmoyle School House (R42 YN97) on Saturday, 23rd August, at 7pm for what promises to be a fascinating evening with historian Dr. Brian Hughes of the University of Limerick.
Dr. Hughes will shine a light on the turbulent final days of the Royal Irish Constabulary in South Offaly and North Tipperary—a story packed with uncertainty, resilience, and twists.
“When the RIC was disbanded in 1922, around 8,000 Irish-born policemen were left facing very uncertain futures in a divided Ireland,” Dr. Hughes told the Midland Tribune. Some fled under threat of violence, others joined colonial police forces as far afield as Palestine, while many quietly stayed and built new lives in the fledgling Free State.
Far from the familiar tales of the ‘Black and Tans’, this talk will focus on the so-called ‘old RIC’—the Irish men whose reputations and stories have been overshadowed by the darker chapters of the Revolution. With a particular emphasis on South Offaly and North Tipperary, Dr. Hughes will uncover the human side of what disbandment really meant for families and communities in 1922.
Ger Murphy of Shinrone Heritage Group says this event is a chance to look beyond the headlines of history: “It’s an opportunity to explore a dimension of our past that’s rarely talked about, and to see how local lives were shaped by national events.”
The evening promises fresh perspectives, local insights, and plenty to think about—'not to mention a warm welcome and light refreshments afterwards’ says Ger.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what happened to the RIC, as one of the principle ‘losers’ of the Irish Revolution, or simply want to enjoy a lively evening of local history; all are welcome.

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https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/offaly-life/1716121/unstitching-the-shinrone-gown-a-historic-short-film-premiere-in-shinrone.html