Sunday World No 1446

[poorclare]

14a Outlaw bandits in Ireland in the 17th & 18th centuries whose rimes were often disguised as patriotic actions

[emeritus]

Tories (Yes Really ) ?

[scooke]

you gave no letters etc, think answer is rappares, there can be different ways its spelt

[emeritus]

Definition 1

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tory

[dannyk13]

Defenders?

[emeritus]

Yes possibly Rapparees as an alternative

[poorclare]

oops so sorry I forgot to give the letters I have
R?p?a?e?

[emeritus]

Raparees

[dannyk13]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rapparee

[poorclare]

Thank you my friends, Rapparee

[emeritus]

Thought the answer was looking for plural ??

[poorclare]

Yes Emeritus that is correct but I think the setter made a rickie. but I cannot find anywhere it stating to drop the final E for an S.
Since i am doubtful I shall hand the crossword into the Telegraph office rather than wasting a 1st class stamp (I am stingy I know)
Thank you all for your help.