20
IRISH AIR CORPS NO 3 OPERATIONS WING
By Lt Ciarán Higgins
Photos provided
by Airman Sam Gibney
National Colours raised
above Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa
HANDOVER CEREMONY
OF DÚN UÍ MHAOILÍOSA
On February 13th 2022, a Ceremony was held at Dún Uí
Mhaoilíosa to commemorate the handover of the barracks
from British Forces 100 years ago. Around 800 members
of the public came through the gates of the barracks to
watch the event. This event was just one of the many
events that took place in 2022, commemorating all the
barracks and military installations that were handed over
to the Provisional Irish Government, by British Forces, 100
years ago. The first event took place earlier this year in
Dublin Castle, commemorating the handover by the last
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Viscount FitzAlan of Derwant to
the Provisional Government of Ireland led by its chairman
Michael Collins.
There was a Guard of Honour present at the main gate of
the barracks for the arrival of Cllr Colette Connolly, Lord
Mayor of Galway. Members of the public watched from the
barracks as personnel from An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe –
1 Infantry Battalion – along with Regimental and National
Colour Parties, marched through the main gate of Dún
Uí Mhaoilíosa or Mellows' Barracks at 1300hrs kicking
off the commemoration. The parade was led by Officer
Commanding of An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe, Lieutenant
Colonel Damien Murphy, who addressed the parade before
Company Quartermaster Sergeant PJ Maloney, former
curator of the museum, gave an historical reflection on the
significance of the day. CQMS Maloney spoke about the
significance of the Barracks and Unit itself, which has a
proud tradition of being the only designated Irish speaking
Lt Col Murphy lays a wreath to remember those lost
in previous conflicts
Handover parade
