An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July/August 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 26 | by CPL LEE COyLE PhOTOS by CPL KELLy GALLAGHER McvI curragh race course Military vehicle Show T he Military Vehicle Club of Ireland (MVCI) held their annual show in the Curragh Race Course on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2015, An Cosantóir was invited along to set up a stall to promote the maga- zine. The show has grown over the last 11 years with vehicles, re-enactors, living history displays, and even an ONE pipe band performing on site, from motorbikes to large trucks and armoured vehicles to the excellent re-enac- tors depicting different periods in history including WWI, WWII, Irish Civil War and modern armies. There was something for the whole family to enjoy with trade stalls selling a wide range of military related items. Being the first military show of the year in Ireland it set a good tone for military enthusiasts and visitors over the weekend, walking through the dis- plays and watching people chatting and catching up with a few 'tyre kickers', asking important questions about the vehicles and equipment, it was good to see the respect the enthusiasts have for their vehicles and for history. The Irish Defence Forces supported the show with a vehicle display and a 105 field gun, which attracted a good crowd. From a few hundred visitors in 2004, to an attendance of about 8,000 people over the 2 days this year, with many being retired members of the Defence Forces and their families, in many ways it's a community event allowing free entry to children, retired members of the Defence Forces and senior citizens, the MVCI have put together a great show. An Cosantóir would like to thank Willie Nugent and MVCI for allowing us access to the show and we wish them every success in future shows. the Munster Military vehicles and living history group O n Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2015 An Cosantóir attended the Wexford Military Show at Wexford Racecourse, which has been held in Duncannon Fort for the previous 10 years from 2004 to 2014, and was moved to Wexford Racecourse due to the temporary closure of Duncannon Fort due to essential repair being carried out. It is one of the biggest and longest running events of its kind in Ireland and attracts one of the largest gathering of military re-enactors. It's organised by The Munster Military Vehicles and Living History Group. The show had displays of Viking and pre Christian era tents and weapons, Celtic and medieval tools, Romans Ireland displayed life under the Roman rule with the Roman legion showing dress and weapons used during the time, WWI & WWII were covered showing Allied and Axis forces with rare vehicles and fire power. With an attendance of 3,000 over the 2 days, it shows the high level of interest in Ireland for military his- tory. An Cosantóir would like to thank Joe O'Toole who organised the event and all in the Munster Military Ve- hicles and Living History Group who allowed us access, and we wish them all success in future shows.

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