This page is a mixture of medals awarded by the Constabulary itself, together with a small selection of medals awarded by other organisations to members of the RIC.
Constabulary (Ireland) Medal
Instituted in 1842, the medal was first issued with a light blue ribbon until 1872 and originally served as the mark of a fourth award of merit, replacing the three sleeve mounted chevons. After 1872 the ribbon was changed to green and it became solely a gallantry award, however the medal itself was not altered until after award of the designation ‘Royal’ as a consequence of the Constabulary’s suppression of the Fenian Rising in 1867.
This example was awarded to Constable Matthew Nugent (RIC 23363) on 3rd April 1876 (file reference number 23363/18574) for resisting an ambush at Garryleigh, Co Cork, when he was acting as escort to a rent collecting land agent. Together with Sub-Constable William Jones, although hit by buckshot, they returned fire and drove off their assailants, capturing one, Thomas Crowe, who was subsequently found guilty of murder (of the carriage driver) and hanged.
As noted above, the Constabulary Medal was altered to reflect the new name:
The above example awarded to Constable Alexander John Burrett (RIC 75430) for his part in the Lackelly ambush, near Knocklong, Co Limerick, 2 May 1921 (file reference 71600 dated 9 September 1921).
Miniature version of the same type (unnamed) and the two together:
Visit to Ireland Medals
The first of this type was awarded to recognise those officers on duty for the official visit of Queen Victoria in 1900, with subsequent medals for the visit of Edward VII in 1903 and George V in 1911.
Full size above, miniature below.
Above example awarded to C. R. Wetherup, RIC. Below example to Constable M. Craig.
I have yet to ascertain why the ribbon comes in both blue and green versions?
Other Awards
Inscribed DENIS O’SULLIVAN JUL 12 1903. Awarded for saving a boy from drowning at Ballydehob. O’Sullivan is listed in RIC archives as a Detective Inspector on 20 January 1921.
The Royal Humane Society (RHS) bronze medal was introduced in 1837. It is awarded to people who have put their own lives at great risk to save or attempt to save someone else.
According to RHS Case 32835 Denis O’Sullivan swam out 300 yards to rescue a boy named Duggan who was in an unconscious state, having become exhausted in 12 feet of water.
