An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir April 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 26 | by CPL LEE COyLE PhotoS by ARMN ADAM MURPHy I n January 1922 the Irish Free State was taking its first steps as an independent nation. With the newly signed Anglo-Irish treaty, the hand-over of installations from the british to Irish forces began. on 28th February 1922, General Séan MacEoin and his troops took over Athlone Castle and Victoria bks, which Gen MacEoin renamed Custume barracks. On the 28th February 2017, to mark the 95th Anniversary of this event, Lt Col Johnny Whittaker (OC 6 Inf Bn) organised a re- enactment of this momentous day in Athlone's history. The day began with guests, including Brig Gen Peter O'Halloran (ACOS), Brig Gen Howard Berney (GOC 2 Bde), Cllr John Dolan (Mayor of Athlone), relatives of Gen MacEoin, and Mr Paddy Cooney (former Minister for Defence from 1982-86), a nephew of Colonel Commandant Ned Cooney, who was present at the take- over in 1922 and whose aunt was married to General MacEoin. Comdt Stephen McEoin from Military Archives addressed the guests as master of ceremonies, pointing out the significance of the takeover of the castle and the barracks. He gave a quick outline of the day's events and also recalled significant details from the takeover in 1922, including the interesting fact that due to the original flagpole in the castle being cut down by the departing British, as was the traditional protocol, a local man, BD Simmons removed the mast of his boat and gave it to be used for the first raising of the tricolour. The guests were then invited to the castle's highest battle- ment from where they could view the bridge in Athlone. The re-enactment started with troops from 6 Inf Bn and 2 BAR form- ing up at the bus and train station (where Gen MacEoin and his troops had debussed 95 years previously to be met by a reported 10,000 spectators). Accompanied by members of the Army No 1 Band, the troops marched down the street and over the bridge, passing the castle and entering Custume Bks. A flag-raising ceremony was then conducted in the castle. Councillor Dolan thanked the DF for "a great display" and for their contributions at home and abroad. He also spoke about how important the DF is to Athlone. The guests were then invited to Custume Bks where an open day was held with a series of events, including photo- graphic displays, a num- ber of historical talks, and a military display. After refreshments Lt Col Whittaker welcomed everyone to the barracks, saying, "Today's ceremo- nies are likely to evoke special memories for any families or their family members who participat- ed in this historic event 95 years ago." He then gave a brief history of the barracks and the ties 6 Inf Bn has to it, before thanking those who had "helped to make this day special". Lt Col Whittaker then invited Andrew MacEoin (Gen MacEoin's nephew) to address everyone on behalf of the MacEoin family. Mr MacEoin thanked the DF for their hard work and great display, and then spoke about his uncle. John McGlynn, an actor, then recited Gen MacEoin's very mov- ing speech, which was put together from eyewitness accounts. It began: "This has been the greatest and most glorious day for Ireland..." before going on to speak about how Athlone had been a British stronghold in the midlands and the many previous attempts that had been made to gain freedom for Ireland before ending by saying of the takeover of the barracks: "...it will be a guarantee to the people of Ireland of their freedom, a guarantee to enable them to live in peace, prosperity, and progress." Flag raising ceremony, Athlone Castle.

• Cover