Andrew Reed

Who was Andrew Reed?

Sir Andrew Reed, KCB, CVO. 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 changed 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,. The "60" rule continued after Reed left the R.I.C. in 1899.

As of the 1911 Census of Ireland, Reed was a resident of 23 Fitzwilliam Square in Dublin, with his wife and two of his daughters. His son Major General Hamilton Lyster Reed was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the Second Boer War.

Reed is buried in Deans Grange Cemetery. His epitaph reads: - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."