An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 10 | VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS BY SGT MICHAEL COLEMAN RETD, DFHQ CIS COY PHOTOS BY ARMN JAMIE BARRETT T he No. 13 Platoon returned to Devoy Barracks on 13th September 2018, 50-years after first walking through the historic archway. It is symbolic that the archway is the only part of the barracks remaining, as it has never been forgotten by the 56 young men who walked through it on their first day with no idea of the journey that lay ahead as part of the No. 13 Platoon. On 24th September 1968, the first apprentices arrived at Devoy Barracks to begin their careers as apprentice carpen- ters, electricians, fitters, motor mechanics and radio mechanics. The lives of these young men were irrevocably shaped during their time as apprentices as they formed lifelong friendships and a bond to No. 13 Platoon that could never be broken. While some decided to buy themselves out for the sum of £200 after 5-years to transition to civilian life, others continued their career in the Defence Forces, with some spanning careers of over 40-years. Regretfully, the majority of apprentices lost touch in the years that followed. However, last year in anticipation of our upcoming 50-year anniversary it was decided that efforts should be made to reconnect the No. 13 Platoon and celebrate this momentous occasion in the place it all began. Every surviving member was traced and contacted - sadly 12 former apprentices have passed away in intervening years. This was the first reunion of the No. 13 platoon and it was remarkable that 39 former apprentices attended the re- union. Some travelled far and wide to be here, in particular Hugh Ryan who travelled from Australia. The date and venue was decided on and Lawlors Hotel in Naas was chosen as the venue to host this event beginning on Wednesday 12th September, where the group first gathered. Thursday 13th Septem- ber began with mass for deceased members in the Church of Our Lady & St. David. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the reunion was our visit to Devoy Barracks. The Barracks is now Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, the home of Kildare County Council (KCC). A presentation was delivered by historians Stan Hickey and Paddy Behan who provided an informative historical insight on Devoy Barracks - a huge thanks to both for sharing their knowledge with us. Special thanks to Peter Carey (CEO, KCC) and Maura McIvor (KCC) for the generosity shown to us, with refresh- ments served on the day. Their continued support has allowed many former ap- prentices to reminisce about times gone by in the same location that these valued memo- ries were created. Thanks to Cllr. Seamie Moore (KCC) for organis- ing the event in KCC, which allowed us return to the place where it all began. Thanks to Law- lors Hotel for hosting our reunion with a Gala Dinner on the Thursday evening with our guest Brig Gen James Saunderson Retd, who served as adjutant in our final year. We were delighted that he was able to spend the day regaling us with stories on behalf of the manage- ment team in Devoy Barracks and providing us with an interesting insight on the apprentices, which was very enlightening! We would like to extend our thanks also to our other guests, training Cpl Pat O'Brien Retd and fitter instructor Sgt Tom Keenan Retd, for spending this special day with us. However, last but not least, this reunion would quite simply not have happened without John O'Dwyer and Michael Kinsella, who worked tire- lessly over the last year to make this event a success. Despite only starting off with a dozen contacts they persevered and managed to track down all 56 apprentices with Frank Conroy located only days before the event but travelled from Wales to join us. So thank you Mike and John, as without your hard work and enthusi- asm this event would not have been the huge success it was! Like most things in life, all good things must come to an end. So after an emotional couple of days spent catching up and remi- niscing with old friends we will take away new memories until we meet again! We have always followed the mantra 'What happens in Devoy Barracks, stays in Devoy Barracks' and this occasion was no different! Carpenters: John Doherty, Tony McGovern, Tony Doyle, Martin Murphy, Peter O'Connor, John O'Dwyer and Tom Walsh Electricians: Michael Kinsella, Hugh Ryan and Pat Kinsella. Fitters MT: John Noonan, Stephen Carroll, Paddy Bradshaw, Martin Prout, Gerard Cunningham, Paddy Hayes, Pat Boggan and Dermot Doyle. Fitter Armourers: Sgt Tom Keenan Instructor Retd, Jimmy Byrne, John Cox, Pat Molloy, Frank Conroy, Michael Daly, Paddy Cassin, Benedict Donnelly, Jimmy Cody and Michael Burke. Radio Technicians: Sean McKenna, Michael Coleman, PJ Greene, Terry Coyne and Pat Esmonde.

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