An Cosantóir

8| FORT DUNREE MUSEUM Report and photos by Joe O'Brien (Chairman of Lifford Branch ONEt) L ough Swilly has long been of immense significance in the military history of Ireland. It was used by the Norsemen during their invasion and also by the Gaelic aristocracy to bring in Gallowglass mercenaries from Scotland to help resist Anglo-Norman expansion during the Tudor and Elizabethan era; and the Flight of the Earls took place from there in September 1607 after that conflict was lost. In later times Wolfe Tone was taken under naval arrest into Buncranna in 1798 after the Battle of Tory Island, and during World War I Admiral Jellicoe's Grand Fleet anchored there prior to engaging the German Navy at the Battle of Jutland. The fort was erected close to the spot where Wolfe Tone was brought ashore in 1798 to guard against the possible return of a French invasion fleet. Originally a modest structure, in the late 19th Century the fort was modernised and enlarged with the building of the Top Fort on Dunree Hill. Control of the fort was transferred to the Irish Free State just before World War II and Irish Forces were stationed there to prevent the warring nations violating the country's neutrality. Today Fort Dunree houses a fascinating display of military memorabilia and artefacts as well as an array of large guns from the 20th Century. Last summer the 24 Inf Bn Association held an open day at the fort. The day began with a presentation by Col Brian O'Reilly (retd) a former commanding officer of both 24 and 28 Inf Bns. His presentation included a video that included the funeral of the late US President John F Kennedy, which Col O'Reilly had taken part in as a member of 37th Cadet Class from the Military College in the Curragh. Brian concluded by presenting the museum with the uniform he wore at the funeral. The main event of the day included the official unveiling of a plaque by Cpl Denis Horgan (retd) in memory of those who served at Fort Dunree from 1938 on. Denis was born in 1919 in Knockavilla, Upton, Co Cork, and after serving Dennis Horgan unveiling the Coastal Defence plaque honouring all those who served at Fort Dunree. An Cosantóir November 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie Col O'Reilly (retd) presenting the uniform he wore at President Kennedy's funeral to the Fort Dunree museum. his time as a tailor joined the army in 1940 where he served for 36 years. A posting to 2 Fd Arty Regt, Kildare, after his basic training in the Curragh Camp, was followed by short stints in Wexford and Kilkenny before Denis was transferred to the Coastal Defence Artillery (Western Command), Fort Dunree, where he served from 5 June 1941 to 1952. He then served with 4 Fd Arty Regt up to 1959 before his last transfer, to 24 Inf Bn where he served as tailor until his retirement in September 1976. Following his retirement Denis stayed on in Fort Dunree as an employee with the BFW for the next 10 years. This is the story of just one of the many who served so loyally in Fort Dunree over the years. The open day was attended ONE members and former colleagues by many ex-service Jack Foley and Séamus Thompson personnel and their (retd BQMS 28 Inf Bn) at the open day. families and many friendships and acquaintances were renewed.

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