An Cosantóir

12 HANDOVER CEREMONY OF LYNCH CAMP On 4th Feb 2022 Lynch Camp welcomed elected representatives of Dáil Éireann & Cork County Council, General Officer Commanding 1 Brigade, friends from the French Armed Forces, students of Scoil Mháirtín Kilworth and Curraghalla NS, guests and family members, ex-service personnel and members of the Defence Forces to the centenary of the handing over of Kilworth camp from British Forces to Irish forces in 1922. The handover of military barracks represented a huge moment in the social and cultural history of Ireland and in particular this locality. The departure of the British Garrison represented the end of colonial rule after some seven centuries. Officer Commanding Lynch Camp and 1 BTI Comdt Tadhg O'Donoghue addressed the event and outlined, how in commemorating our past, the Defence Forces will endeavour to be inclusive, balanced and respectful of the multiple traditions on our island. Óglaigh na hÉireann has been the people, is the people and will be the people. On 4th February 1922, Tom Barry, a local man from Glanworth, marched in with a Battalion of soldiers marking the end of the British Army's relationship with Kilworth. On 4th Feb 2022 at 1000hrs, 1 Brigade Training Installation honoured and memorialised this event as they marched into camp accompanied by the 1 Bde Band. Kilworth camp came into prominence in 1896 when the British army opened the ranges, and it became a hub of training prior to WW1. For many soldiers Kilworth was their last residence before they made the ultimate sacrifice on the Battlefields of the great war. Upon occupation by Irish Forces in 1922, Kilworth Camp became a vital training facility for the new HANDOVER CEREMONY OF LYNCH CAMP By Comdt Tadhg O'Donoghue National Army. In 1966 it adopted the name General Liam Lynch Camp in memory of the Republican leader Liam Lynch who came from Anglesborough Co. Limerick. Today General Liam Lynch Camp serves the Defence Forces training needs, as our personnel prepare for deployment on overseas service with the United Nations and for operations in Ireland. Our identity remains rooted in our proud history; indeed the focal point of this camp is our national flag, our commemorative stone and the seven signatories of the proclamation of the Irish republic. In celebrating the achievements of our country since the handovers took place, Comdt O'Donoghue paid tribute to the men and women of 1 Brigade Training Installation for their patriotism and their work in preparing this camp for the centenary event; a testament to their loyalty to the Defence Forces and to Ireland. In his speech Comdt O'Donoghue commended the loyalty and service of the 1 Bde Band, the ex-servicemen of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association Post 25 Fermoy and the Barrack Foremen Staff of Lynch Camp. The raising of National Flag and the laying of a wreath by the Officer Commanding and Mr. Willie Lynch in General Liam Lynch Camp on 4th Feb, Veterans on Parade in Lynch Camp Comdt O'Donoghue with members of his family enjoying the day

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