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HANDOVER CEREMONY OF BEGGARS BUSH BARR ACKS
HANDOVER CEREMONY
OF BEGGARS BUSH
BARRACKS
On the 1st of February 2022, soldiers
of the 7 Infantry Battalion had the honour
of commemorating the centenary of the Beggars
Bush Barracks handover from the British Forces.
The national flag was once again raised to Amhrán
na bhFiann, while invited guests, amongst them
relatives of the soldiers, who marched through
the gates of the barracks 100 years ago, had the
privilege to witness this "special, poignant day",
as hailed by themselves.
Year 2022 marked the very special centenary,
when many military installations across the
country were handed over to the Free State Army,
however Beggars Bush was the first one, that
was taken over from the British. This event was
also made special, by participation of the 7 Inf
Bn soldiers, who together as Permanent Defence
Forces and Army Reserves, aided the Health
Service Executive, manning the nearby Aviva
Stadium COVID centre, during the outbreak of
the pandemic. This was highlighted by Brigadier
General Anthony Cudmore, General Commanding
Officer of 2 Brigade, who said: "It's a very historic
day for us, which we've linked to our current
engagement, that the soldiers who are actually
marching through the barracks gate today, are
coming from the Aviva Stadium, that location
where we have been running the COVID-19 station,
supporting our community, over the past two
years"
Amongst one of the very special guests were
Gráinne Máire Ní Conchubair, and her nieces
Caitriona Nic Mhuiris and Eadaoin Morrish.
Grainne's father, Colonel Padraig O'Connor was
By Pte (AR) Lukasz Gancarz
Photos By Airman Sam Gibney
7 Inf Bn lead by Sgt Alan Lawlor carrying
the unit pennant and Cpl Simon Walsh
7 Inf Bn lead by piper CS Kevin Duncan through Haddington Road
