Remembering Brigadier General Joe Ring, Westport, on the 100th anniversary of his death
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Brigadier General Joe Ring, Westport, who played an integral role in the fight for Irish freedom.
Joe Ring only lived to the age of 32, a victim of the Civil War on September 14, 1922. He was shot by an Irish Republican bullet during fighting at Drumsheen, Bonniconlon.
His funeral on September 16, 1922, was one of the largest ever witnessed in the town of Westport.
In its issue of September 16, 1922, the Mayo News published a front page editorial in his honour.
It read: “When the news of his death became known in Westport, all business houses immediately closed and shuttered their shops while the blinds on residences were drawn. It bore eloquent tribute to the esteem in which he was held by his neighbours in Westport.”
A subsequent tribute by Commandant McCarthy in 1923 further told of his legacy.
He said: “Men like Joe Ring do not die – they cannot die. Their spirits live forever as bright and shining beacons to beckon us on to high and noble deeds and to retain unsullied Freedom they so nobly won.”
Mayo TD Michael Ring recalled how grand-uncle was very actively involved during the War of Independence as Operations Commander of the Westport Battalion throughout the conflict with the RIC and Black and Tans.
Deputy Ring said: “When I first entered public life, I quickly realised I had a lot to live up to because of Joe Ring and others.
“Joe was a great organiser. He was a great man to bring people with him."
Deputy Ring said people forget about the past very quickly - and some of them try to rewrite history to suit their own agendas.
“But the history is there and it's fully documented in the military files, the gardaí files and in the files of our local newspapers.
“It is fitting that people will always have the opportunity of revisiting that pivotal period of Irish history.
“Many perhaps forget the fact that Joe Ring was instrumental in setting up An Garda Síochána, or the Civil Guards as they were known at the time. He was also Brigadier-General of the National Army.
“He was one of the first assistant commissioners alongside Michael Staines of Newport, the force's first commissioner.
“Interestingly, Joe developed a great friendship with Staines while serving a jail sentence in Frongoch Prison in 1918.
"Staines was a big influence in Joe's life and particularly in his decision to declare for the pro-treaty side in 1921 when every other officer in the West Mayo Brigade were anti-treaty.
“I am proud of the fact he took the Free State side, not an easy decision for him, and his role in training and structuring An Garda Síochána was exemplary.
“If people like him did not take the Free State side, we would not have our own country now.
"I am very proud when I read of his achievements. It is only when you get older that you fully realise the huge significance of our history.
“Those who fought for Irish freedom suffered great hardship, as did their families. Joe's parents, Michael and Katherine, had a merchant's shop, Conway's, at Bridge Street, Westport.
"The house where they lived in Drumindoo was burned down by the Black and Tans. The family paid a big price for political involvement.
"My grand-uncle gave his life for his country. He was central to setting up the Ireland that we know today.
“Whenever I read about him, I am struck by his defiance and resilience.
“As a young man, he was arrested for playing his national sport with Aughagower GAA Club and refused a court order to stop playing GAA. That must have had a big impact on his life.
"He spent time in jail and spent time on hunger strike. He certainly served his time for the cause of Irish freedom.
“People have tried to write him out of history but they have not succeeded. He was one of Michael Collins' right-hand men. Collins’ sister came to visit him when he was in prison in Castlebar.
“He and others should not be forgotten for their contribution."