THERE was a very good attendance for the talk titled ‘The Killing of Inspector Martin R.I.C. in Derrybeg in 1889’ which was held in the old St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg last Sunday.

The talk was delivered by the local historian, author and former teacher, Vincent Breslin, Bunbeg.

The event was organised by the Co. Donegal Historical Society as part of Heritage Week 2025.

Vincent outlined the events which led up to the incident. He told how Canon James McFadden was Parish Priest of Gaoth Dobhair at the time and was known for his fierce defender of tenants’ rights in the parish.

Some of those who attended Sunday’s event at the old St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg.

On Sunday. February 3, 1889, District Inspector William Limbrick Martin of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) arrived at the church to arrest Canon McFadden, who was celebrating Mass at the time.

A scuffle broke out between RIC officers and parishioners after Canon McFadden exited the church. Inspector Martin attempted to arrest the canon and the situation quickly escalated, with parishioners attacking the police, using stones as weapons.

A stone thrown by a parishioner struck Martin on the back of the head, causing him to fall and sustain a fatal injury. A period of unrest followed the incident and a number of parishioners spent time in prison.