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OF THE HANDOVER OF THE CURRAGH CAMP
90TH ANNIVERSARY
BY LT COL JOHN O'LOGHLEN PHOTOS BY SGT JJ RYAN (HQ DFTC) OR AS ACCREDITED
to mark the 90th anniversary of the handover of the Curragh. It is 90 years since the departure of the British forces from the Curragh, which was their most significant withdrawal, as the Curragh was the Divisional Headquarters, 3rd in size only after Aldershot and Salisbury Plains. At midday on the 16th May 1922, at the agreed time, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the Irish Tricolour made its long awaited appear- ance, flying high above the area's most iconic landmark, the Watertower of the Curragh Camp. This last Union Jack can
T
here was a palpable atmosphere evident at this hugely historical event, which was held recently
dover, was organised by the Defence Forces Training Centre, and was at- tended by guests, local residents and children from surrounding schools. Brig Gen Seamus O Giolláin (GOC DFTC) took the parade. He then addressed the gathering, emphasising the historical importance of the day, but also posing the question to the troops on parade, how many various missions they have served in since the 75th commemora- tion, in 1997, and indeed, how many
be seen, as can the flying of the first Tricolour from the Watertower, cour- tesy of British Pathe newsreel, at the Curragh Museum. The special parade to mark the han-
An Cosantóir July/August 2012 www.dfmagazine.ie
Troops and equipment on display
of Contemporary History, Department of History, Trinity College, Dublin, then addressed the audience, depicting the historical background and significance of the handover of the Curragh, 90 years ago. He said that this was a very significant event, not alone for the Irish
formed by Monsignor John McDonald and Dean John Marsdon, to remember all those both military and civilian of the Curragh, who have passed away over the last 90 years. Professor Eunan O'Halpin, Professor
more overseas tours they will have completed, when the centenary of the handover will be marked in 2022. An ecumenical service was then per-
