An Cosantóir

19 HISTORY OF DÚN UÍ MHAOILÍOSA seven times. The first step was to double the permanent regular forces by calling up what might be called part-time soldiers already in existence, i.e., reserve and volunteer units. There was not too much trouble about equipment, most of which was already there, but there was a problem with accommodation. The Barracks was completely renovated in 1936. In June 1940, they took outpost duties at Dunsandle and at Pallas, Loughrea, at Lough Cutra near Gort, and at Castlehackett near Tuam. In the early Summer of 1940, the Army began a period of expansion to meet the defensive needs of the country posed by the outbreak of the Second World War.. They had to start from scratch as they had no trained, or partly trained frameworks available inside the army, so they used a considerable number of civilians who had done soldiering to help train these troops. In the post-World War II period, the strength of the unit dwindled considerably due to emigration from Gaeltacht areas. Today recruiting from the Gaeltacht areas is largely confined to Connemara and the Aran Islands, as recruits from other Gaeltacht areas are absorbed in local units. In 1952, Renmore was renamed Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa / Mellows Barracks i honour of Liam Mellows. Mellows had commanded the Irish Volunteers during the Easter Rising in Galway and became the IRA Director of Supplies during the War of Independence. He opposed the Anglo- Irish Treaty and was one of four men executed in reprisal for the murder of pro-Treaty politician Sean Hales. 'An Chéad Chath' are the unit which is currently stationed at "Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa". The unit was established in 1924 at Gough Barracks (now McDonagh Barracks) in the Curragh camp and eventually moved to Galway in 1925. 'An Chéad Chath' has retained its status and the proud tradition of being the only designated Irish speaking unit of the Defence Forces since its establishment. The unit is currently actively involved in training of new recruits, on an ongoing basis, and continues to have personnel involved in all overseas units of the Irish Army. Comdt. Broderick assuming command of Renmore Barracks, 13 Feb 1922 Sgt Kelly mounting the first Guard at Renmore Barracks, 13 Feb 1922

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