On this day in 1920, Colonel Gerald Smyth delivered a chilling speech to the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) in Listowel, Ireland. In his address, Smyth encouraged the RIC officers to use violence against Irish nationalists, stating, “The more you shoot, the better I will like you. No police will get into trouble for shooting any man.” This inflammatory rhetoric sparked outrage and led to 14 RIC officers resigning in protest.
Colonel Gerald Smyth’s speech epitomized the brutal tactics employed by British forces during the Irish War of Independence. His callous disregard for human life and encouragement of violence against civilians only served to escalate tensions in Ireland. Four weeks after delivering his incendiary speech, Smyth was assassinated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in retaliation for his brutal actions.
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The events surrounding Colonel Gerald Smyth’s speech and subsequent assassination shed light on the tumultuous history of Ireland and the struggle for independence. The Irish War of Independence was a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking a significant shift towards self-governance and the eventual establishment of the Irish Free State.
The legacy of Colonel Gerald Smyth’s actions continues to be a point of contention and debate in Ireland. While some view him as a ruthless oppressor who used violence to suppress Irish nationalism, others see him as a martyr who sacrificed his life in service to the British Crown. Regardless of one’s perspective, it is undeniable that Smyth’s speech and its aftermath had a profound impact on the course of Irish history.
As we reflect on the events of that fateful day in 1920, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for Irish independence. The courage and resilience of the Irish people in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Colonel Gerald Smyth’s speech to the RIC in Listowel in 1920 remains a poignant reminder of the brutality and violence that characterized the Irish War of Independence. His words, though chilling, serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for Irish freedom. As we commemorate this historic event, let us honor the memory of all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of independence.
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Colonel Gerald Smyth’s Speech in Listowel: A Dark Chapter in Irish History
The Impact of Smyth’s Speech on the Irish War of Independence
Colonel Gerald Smyth: Martyr or Oppressor?
Remembering the Sacrifices of Irish Independence Fighters
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#OnThisDay 1920 Colonel Gerald Smyth made a speech to the RIC in Listowel in which he said- “The more you shoot the better I will like you, no police will get into trouble for shooting any man”. 14 RIC men quit. Smyth was shot dead by the IRA four weeks later. #Ireland #History pic.twitter.com/iuwUlTnnGV
— The Irish at War (@irelandbattles) June 19, 2024
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irelandbattles said #OnThisDay 1920 Colonel Gerald Smyth made a speech to the RIC in Listowel in which he said- "The more you shoot the better I will like you, no police will get into trouble for shooting any man". 14 RIC men quit. Smyth was shot dead by the IRA four weeks later.
#Ireland #History
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