The legacy of Joe Ring lives on in local and national politics
Mayo TD tells how his grand-uncle inspired his long career in public office
CENTENARY OF THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE IN MAYO
Mayo TD and former government minister Michael Ring has revealed how his political career was shaped by the heroic efforts of his legendary grand-uncle Joe Ring during the War of Independence in his role as Operations Commander of the Westport Battalion throughout the conflict with the RIC and Black and Tans.
Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Deputy Ring said: “When I started out in public life back in the 1970s, I will always remember Johnny Duffy, Knockrooskey, coming up to me and pledging his support 'because of where I came from and who my family was'.
“I found great encouragement in that. Johnny was very active with my granduncle during the War of Independence. But when the Civil War came, he played no part in it.
“However, his words to me at the time were full of encouragement. I realised I had a lot to live up to because of Joe Ring and others.
“Joe was also a great organiser. He was a great man to bring people with him and I always prided himself in adopting a similar approach to my political career because I could see a bit of myself in him.
“And whenever I experience difficult times in politics, I often think of him because it gives me strength.
“To be frank, I have quietened many a person who claimed to be more republican than me and I will continue to do so.”
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 garda files and in the files of our local newspapers.
“It is fitting that people will have the opportunity of revisiting that pivotal period of Irish history during the centenary celebrations.
“It goes without saying that Joe Ring was a very influential figure in my career, such was his record of achievement and commitment.
“Many perhaps forget the fact that he 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.”
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.
In its issue of September 16, 1922, the Mayo News published a front page editorial in his honour.
It read: “When the fact 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.”
His funeral took place on September 16, 1922, one of the largest ever witnessed in the town.
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.”
Deputy Ring recalled how his grandfather used to say to him: 'Don't get involved in the church and don't get involved in politics'.
He elaborated: “I did not heed the second part of his advice. My family has seen it all as far as political life is concerned.
“I feel very strongly about the fact that many people have been written out of politics while others were created and placed into our history books.
“But nobody can take it away from the Ring family. 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.
“Remembering them now, during this centenary year, must be done in a respectful way. It was a divisive period but everybody's contribution deserves to be acknowledged, not just a few. The celebrations must be conducted in a respectful and honest way to both sides, pro and anti-treaty.
“There was a lot of pain and a lot of suffering and sacrifices for so many families. It was not all glory by any stretch of the imagination. When your home is burned down and your business is attacked, it is very challenging. No question.”
* The Connaught Telegraph's War of Independence centenary coverage has been supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as well as Mayo County Council.