17
HANDOVER OF STEPHENS BARRACKS
In keeping with the proscribed DF running order for the
handovers, Lt Col Crummey laid a wreath in honour of
those who had died during the Civil War, which notably
includes a National Army officer and two executed
Anti-Treaty soldiers who died in 1922 within the barrack
walls. There followed a minutes silence, a moment of
prayer from Rev. Fr. Dan McCarthy CF and then Pte
(retd) Finbar McCarthy gave a soulful rendition of the
Battalion air, Fáinne Geal an Lae (The Dawning of the
Day) as a lament for the dead. The event concluded
with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann and a reception
for our personnel, their families and our guests in the
Dining Centre. An infantry capability display, tours of
the barrack museum, food trucks and face-painting
rounded off a fantastic day of commemorations and
celebration. The Unit would like to formally thank all
of our guests who made the day so memorable and
added to its colour, including the Battalion's retired
Associations; members of the local ONÉ and IUNVA
branches; St. Patrick's Brass Band; the Kilkenny War of
Independence Reenactors and most importantly – our
military families and friends.
As we now approach the centenary of the Bloods
and indeed the 101st anniversary of the handover, we
wish all of our personnel and their families the best
for whatever the future may hold. In the meantime, we
remain: Dílis go Bráth!
Lt Col Declan Crummey OC 3 Inf Bn laying a wreath
Sp Coy, 3 Inf Bn lead by Comdt Hosback marching
into Stephens Barracks
3 Inf Bn leaving Kilkenny Castle
3 Inf Bn on Parade at Kilkenny Castle
Raising of the National Flag
