Irish police historian, author and genealogist Jim Herlihy will discuss the history of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) Reserve - also known as ‘the Black and Tans’, which was created in 1920 in order to supplement the native Irish force, then depleted by massive resignations.  

Jim is a retired member of an Garda Síochána and a co-founder of the Garda Síochána Historical Society. He is also a committee member of the Historical and Reconciliation Police (HARP) Society as well as its Public Relations Officer. 
His many publications include ‘The Royal Irish Constabulary: a Short History and Genealogical Guide’ (2016) and ‘Royal Irish Constabulary Officers: a Biographical Dictionary and Genealogical Guide, 1816-1922' (2005). His latest book, ‘The Black & Tans, 1920-1921: A Complete Alphabetical List, Short History and Genealogical Guide’, was published in 2021.