So the constabulary have some value after all, in spite of the sneers of Home Rule members in the House of Commons.
Half a dozen Kerry priests screeched with laughter when I told them that story in the train, having met them on a journey to Farranfore.
Here is another I also gave them on that occasion.
A couple of policemen were discussing the state of Ireland once upon a time.
Says Dan to Mick:—
'Sure we'll niver get peace and quiet in the blessed country until we fetch Oliver Cromwell up from hell to settle the unruly.'
Replies Mick to Dan:—
'Have done, you fool, isn't he a deal quieter where he is?'
Judge Keagh thought worse of his fellow countrymen than do other men with less than his great experience, and although a Roman Catholic, he had to be escorted by two constables wherever he went.
He was told that he ought to be guarded by four policemen, because the two might be attacked.