The Curious Case of the Missing Policeman

[Wexflyer]

The policeman in question is James Richard Crean.
I can find no record of him serving in the RIC or DMP.

He was born in January 1884
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1884/02704/1995647.pdf

In 1911 he is at home, stated to be aged 25, actually 27,  a "farmer's son"
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai003587917/

Yet when he died aged 33 in 1917, also at home, he is stated to be a policeman.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1917/05209/4440292.pdf

So I wonder, where and when did he serve as a policeman?

[hanes teulu]

Looking at cause of death it's difficult to see him being recruited into the Police.

[Wexflyer]

Looking at cause of death it's difficult to see him being recruited into the Police.

I imagine that he was already retired from the police, on medical grounds, by 1911.
i.e. I suspect that his death registration should state former policeman or somesuch

[heywood]

He is a Grocer’s Assistant in Gorey in 1901
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Wexford/Gorey_Urban/Main_Street/1794736/

It doesn’t help much I know.

[Wexflyer]

I was hoping some kind soul could double check me on whether he was ever in the RIC or DMP 

[heywood]

I know and I tried but that is all I could find.

[Wexflyer]

He is a Grocer’s Assistant in Gorey in 1901
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Wexford/Gorey_Urban/Main_Street/1794736/

It doesn’t help much I know.

Thanks, I should have mentioned that also.

[hanes teulu]

There are several mentions to a Constable Crean in the newsapers 1900-1909 eg the Kilkenny Moderator, Evening News (Waterford) but none include an initial/given name.

[Wexflyer]

There are several mentions to a Constable Crean in the newsapers 1900-1909 eg the Kilkenny Moderator, Evening News (Waterford) but none include an initial/given name.

IIRC there were indeed a few Crean/Creanes in the RIC, the key question though is do any of them match this particular fellow. There is a published index to those who served, and I should be able to examine it in about a fortnight, so perhaps I should just be patient 
To confuse things, this chap could appear as either Richard, or James, or some combination.