An Cosantóir

21 HANDOVER CEREMONY OF DÚN UÍ MHAOILÍOSA unit of the Defence Forces. Father Paul Murphy conducted prayers for all deceased and living members of Óglaigh na hÉireann before Lieutenant Colonel Murphy laid a wreath to remember those who were killed in previous conflicts. A minute's silence and the playing of 'The Last Post' then followed. Lieutenant Andrew Kelly then raised the national colours on top of the roof which overlooks the barracks. The ceremony concluded with the Commanding Officer marching the Regimental and National Colour Parties off the parade before dismissing the rest of the parade. After the formalities concluded, there was an open day for family and friends of past and serving members of the Óglaigh na hÉireann. Members of the unit displayed various weapons, kit and equipment to members of the public. Much of this equipment is used at home and abroad in the various mission areas where the Defence Forces are deployed. An open day allows friends and family to gain an insight into the work carried out by the Irish Defence Forces and an appreciation of the training our members receive. This day can also be hugely beneficial in the area of recruitment, giving interested individuals the facility to talk to experienced members of the unit. The museum was also opened to members of the public, which covers the pre- and post-handover history of the barracks. The museums mission statement is to preserve the memory of these men and women, treating each with equal respect and dignity, and making their story available to the present generation. The museum is divided into three parts; the first deals with the Connaught Rangers, as the barracks was a Training Depot from 1881 until 1922. The second deals with the struggle for independence, including the War of Independence, Civil War and the early years of the Irish Free State. There is also a section dedicated to the memory of Liam Mellows, after whom the barracks was renamed in 1952. The final section of the museum features the various peacekeeping missions involving Defence Forces personnel, most poignantly by weapons, including an axe, from the 1960 Niemba ambush in the Congo where nine Irish soldiers were killed. Members of the public were able to experience the rich and varied story of over a hundred and thirty years in the life of a barracks. The event was an overall success, commemorating an important historical chapter in our country's past. The signing of the Anglo-Irish treaty and subsequent handover of military installations across the country by British Forces was hugely significant for Óglaigh na hÉireann and the Irish State. It honours the achievements of the revolutionary generation that helped create the State that is entering its second century of independent, democratic government. March past of Centenary Parade into Dún UÍ Mhaoilíosa BSM Jim McKenna calling the parade to attention No 1 Band marching into Dún UÍ Mhaoilíosa CQMS Maloney addressing the parade

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