An Cosantóir

22 HISTORY OF FINNER CAMP Finner Camp, home to the 28 Infantry Battalion, lies between the towns of Bundoran and Ballyshannon in Co. Donegal. The Camp's military history dates back to 1200 AD with the O'Donnells of Tir Conaill strategically situated in the surrounding areas. In later years, the British Army would acquire 731 acres, heralding the beginning of Finner Camp beside the headquarters of the British administration in the area, Rock Barracks in Ballyshannon. The Royal Iniskilling Fusiliers was the unit most associated with Finner Camp in the lead up to the Boer War, and later, the Great War. Finner Camp hosted the Unit's preparation for each of these conflicts. Once the Great War concluded, the region saw the rise of Irish Nationalism following the 1916 Rising. While training continued in Finner Camp, the British became increasingly concerned about republican activity in the Bundoran and Ballyshannon areas and were called to react to a number of attacks by the IRA in the local area. Following the War of Independence, Finner Camp was handed over on 17th February 1922 and left in the hands of a small garrison of local IRA. Within days, a split in the local IRA emerged, seeing those who were present for the handover taking opposite sides in the Civil War. Local tensions between pro and anti-treaty factions ran high. The Camp was held by anti-treaty forces who had determined not to enter conflict with their fellow Irishmen. The attack on the Four Courts in Dublin sparked an attack by pro treaty forces on 29 June 1922. Finner Camp fell to the pro treaty forces and became part of the Donegal Command, the Camp became home to the 46 Battalion, before later transferring to the newly established 2 Battalion. The thirties saw the Volunteer Force established, later to be replaced by the An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúl (FCA). Finner Camp was utilised at weekends throughout the year for training purposes. The Camp also saw some significant infrastructural development, such as a wireless station, a tailor shop, ammunition and food stores, messes and upgraded accommodation. In 1939, Finner Camp was designated one of three national training centres. On 1 September 1939 the Volunteer Force was called for HISTORY OF FINNER CAMP By Capt Daniel McChrystal Photos provided by Capt Daniel McChrystal Members of the NCO Mess Finner Camp 1922 GOH raising the flag on handover day 1922

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