15
HISTORY OF JAMES STEPHENS BARRACKS, KILKENNY
Clara company,
mobilised at St.
James' Park.
The troops, under
the command of
Brigade Comdt,
G. O'Dwyer,
gathered to
march through
the city and take
over Kilkenny
military barracks.
When the order
came a half hour
later, the column,
led by Saint Patrick's Brass Band,
marched up Rose Inn and John's street
and through the gates and on to the
square of Kilkenny military barracks.
The current unit, the 3 Infantry Battalion,
has become synonymous with both
James Stephens Barracks and Kilkenny.
Established in January 1923 in the
North-West of the country, the Bloods
are now the oldest unit in continuous
service in the Defence Forces. Based
at Connolly Barracks, the Curragh since
1927, the Bloods have nonetheless had
a strong association with the South-East
of the country since the earliest days.
Located in Stephens
Barracks, Kilkenny
since 1998, following
amalgamation with
the 30th Infantry
Battalion, the 3
Infantry Battalion
had spent significant
periods of time in
Kilkenny during the
Emergency/Second
World War period
and again throughout
the Troubles. The 3
Infantry Battalion's
Area of Operations is
situated in South and
South-East Leinster
and includes the
counties of Kilkenny,
Waterford, Wexford,
Carlow, Laois and
over half of Tipperary.
The current
Commanding Officer is Lt Col Gareth
Prendergast and A/BSM is CS Pat
O'Neill.
Comdt George O'Dwyer of
the Kilkenny brigade I.R.A 1921
Kilkenny Brigade on parade
Capt Brennan 1922
Kilkenny-I.R.A
Signed Treaty
