Andrew Reed

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Sir Andrew Reed, KCB, CVO, M.A., LL.D (LL.B Gold Medalist) Queen's University of Belfast. Called to the Bar 1873. Entered Royal Irish Constabulary and appointed District Inspector, 1859; became Inspector General in 1885 retired 1900.

Aside from being the only R.I.C. cadet officer to be promoted Inspector General, Reed gained some notoriety for changing the rules for promotion in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Up until his tenure, Catholics had little success in attaining promotions. Even though most of the force was Catholic, almost all the officers were non-Catholic. Reed instituted a rule that each year, 60 men who were Catholic and passed the Sergeant's exam would be promoted (NOTE: Those who passed were referred to as "P" men). The "60" rule continued after Reed left the R.I.C. in 1899.

Reed is buried in Deansgrange Cemetery (as are many other R.I.C. officers) His epitaph reads: - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 4.)