An Cosantóir

41 The ceremonial aspect covered the actual Aiken Barracks handover event on 13th Apr 2022, and the historical lecture series covered the history of Aiken Barracks, Frank Aiken, 4 Northern Division, Free State takeover of Dundalk, Aiken's attack on Dundalk military barracks and a walking Barrack Tour, which have all been delivered to date. Aiken Barracks Handover Centenary In advance of the commemoration, the usual planning considerations were taken in order to staff a ceremonial event, which were extremely difficult, as the 27 Infantry Battalion was the lead unit for 120 Infantry Battalion forming up for overseas deployment with UNIFIL, as well as having a platoon of troops committed to Portlaoise Prison. Nevertheless, through good planning and commitment from both the PDF and RDF members of the 27 Infantry Battalion, a Company of troops was mobilised and rehearsed several times in advance of the parade. The commemoration parade kicked off at 1330 hrs with the BSM calling markers on parade, followed by troops and officers. The parade marched behind the Army No.1 Band from the main square out the main barrack gate and took a route about 1Km around the locality to march back in through the old barrack gate at Barrack Street. This was to symbolise General Frank Aiken and the officers and men of the 4 Northern Division entering the barracks to receive the British handover. The parade took up position on the main square after entering the barracks. Once in position OC 27 Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Frank Colclough and Frank Aiken Jr addressed the event. On conclusion of speeches, Fr Michael Hinds blessed a commemorative wreath that OC 27 Infantry Battalion laid in memory of 'All lost since the War of Independence'. The ceremony concluded with the last post, flag raising, National Anthem and Air Corps flying past. Commemorative Plaque To officially mark the Barrack handover centenary, Lt Pádraic Agnew and Sgt Riccardo Lucchesi designed and commissioned a commemorative plaque, which was installed on the outside pillar of the old barrack gate. Louth County Council funded this plaque as an additional project for the barrack centenary programme, to share the history of the barracks to members of the public. The plaque is cast bronze and has both the DF and Louth County Councils crests, along with the text 'On the 13 April 1922 Commandant General Frank Aiken and the Fourth Northern Division, took Control of this Barracks from British Forces, on behalf of G.H.Q Dublin'. 27 Inf Bn giving a general salute OC 27 Inf Bn Lt Col Colclough laying a wreath Cpl McMahon with the 27 Inf Bn unit pennant Lt Col McGuinness (AR) giving a salute on the day 27 Inf Bn on parade square HANDOVER CEREMONY OF AIKEN BARRACKS

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