An Cosantóir

44 HANDOVER OF CURRAGH CAMP Article 7 of Bunreacht na hÉireann prescribes that "The national flag is the tricolour of green, white and orange." While this legal authority dates from 1937, the Irish tricolour has long signified the struggle for Irish independence and an unwavering commitment to democratic values. It was within this tradition, that on 16 May 1922, the Irish tricolour was raised above the Curragh Camp Water Tower. The raising of our flag signified the handing over of one of the key military installations of the evacuating British forces to the Irish National Army. This tradition of our national flag was added to again on 16 May 2022, when, under the command of General Officer Commanding Defence Forces Training Centre, Brigadier General Brendan McGuinness, the Irish tricolour was raised above the Curragh Camp Water Tower to mark 100 years since the first raising of the Irish tricolour at that location. An action to commemorate the handing over of the Curragh Camp to the Irish National Army. The Curragh Camp is a unique military installation, comprising a brigade structure, an open-camp layout, and also a garrison town. On the basis of this disposition, it was fitting that the centenary celebrations were attended by the extended family of the Curragh Camp. All elements of the Curragh Camp community were represented, including former serving soldiers, military families, local schools, local residents, local organisation representatives, and various supporting elements to the Curragh Camp community. The centenary ceremony for the handover of the Curragh Camp commenced with the arrival of a marching body onto McDermott Square. This marching body comprised of personnel drawn from the seven barracks of the Curragh Camp. Once on the square, under the command of Lt Col Maher and Regimental Sergeant Major Matthews, Brig Gen McGuinness addressed those gathered to mark the day. The GOC paid tribute to Lt Gen J. J. O'Connell, the first Officer Commanding of the Curragh Camp, who led a party of Irish Troops from Hare Park into the Curragh Camp on 16 May 1922 to complete its handover. At the centre of Brig Gen McGuinness' address was the identification of the contributions and sacrifices made by the current and former serving soldiers of the Curragh Camp, their families, and the wider Curragh Camp community. In closing, Brig Gen McGuinness HANDOVER OF CURRAGH CAMP By Comdt Conor Hurley Photos by Airman Sam Gibney remembered the deceased members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, particularly those from the Curragh Camp. Flight Sergeant McNamara, of the Curragh Military History Group, then made an address outlining the historical context of the events of 16 May 1922. Flt Sgt McNamara explained the events on the day of the handover, and also the layout of the Curragh Camp upon its handover to the Irish National Army. Contrast was drawn between the structural changes to the Curragh Camp since, but also the continuing sense of community that has remained over the 100 years. After Monsignor McDonald led the parade in prayer, the parade was called to attention. At 1200 hrs, at the same time and location as Lt Gen J. J. O'Connell, Brig Gen McGuinness climbed the Curragh Water Tower to raise the Irish tricolour above the Curragh Camp. An Honour Guard from the 1st Mechanised Infantry Company saluted as Brig Gen McGuiness raised the Irish tricolour. All on parade held a salute as the Air Corps provided a fly-past overhead. The Army Band played Reveille and the National Anthem. This was followed by the Piper, who played the Curragh of Kildare from the top of the Curragh Water Tower. CQMS McAllister and BQMS Bohane on the handover day Members of the Military re-enactment group enjoying the day

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