An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | apprentices' REPoRT AnD PhoToS By MAIRTíN Ó CIARDuBHáIN L awlor's hotel, naas, was the venue for the 50th anniversary reunion of no 11 Platoon, Army Ap- prentice School, 1966-1969. Fifty years had passed since the would-be appren- tices walked under the arch leading into Devoy Barracks in naas. (The arch is practically all that remains of the barracks today and is to be restored by Kildare Co Council.) The gangly teenag- ers were entering a whole new world – army life. Of the 48 apprentices many stayed on in the army with the last only leaving within the year. This was the first class reunion and 28 attended; seven had died, seven couldn't be traced and six could not make it for various reasons. As well as coming from the four corners of Ireland, others had travelled from Canada, New York and the UK. The senior man there was Comdt Vincent Fitzgerald (retd) from Tipperary, a member of the platoon who went on to become a commissioned officer. The reunion, which was well organ- ised by Piery Holden and Marty O'Hara, began with Mass in Naas parish church at which the deceased members of the class were remembered. A guided tour of the site of the former barracks was then given by Seamie Moore of Naas Town Council who also spoke of the historical significance of Devoy Barracks. In addition, during the two-day reunion some took the opportunity to visit the Military Museum in the Curragh The attendees at the reunion din- ner held in Lawlor's Hotel, and ably chaired by Jimmy Arundel, a member of the class, were addressed by their former platoon commander, Mick Ka- vanagh, and their armourer instructor, Tom Keenan. Responding on behalf of the class, Matty Doyle (the youngest recruit) thanked everybody for their support and kindness and said what a wonder- ful opportunity it was to get together again after such a long time and relive the good old days. Those present were evidence of the truth in the Apprentice School motto, 'Ní obair in aisce í' ('There is no work without gain'), as all had a full and rewarding career in either military or civilian life. All resolved to keep in touch in the coming years. 50th Anniversary Former members of 11 Platoon visit the site of the former Devoy Bks, Naas. L/R: Joe Murphy, John Croke and Paddy 'Pauric' Keady, stand in front of the gate into Devoy Barracks that they first entered 50 years ago this year. Eddie Ryan (seated) and Piery Holden (right) discuss the layout of Devoy Bks with local historian, Seamie Moore (Naas Town Council), during the class visit to the site of the former Army Apprentice School.

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