An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 9 I t was truly an Easter Monday to remember at Rockhill House, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, as some 230 current and retired members of the Defence Forces gathered at their former garrison to enjoy a first glimpse of its revival – and to recall and celebrate times gone by. The day was coordinated by retired Col De- clan O'Carroll and organised by owners, the Mol- loy family, in recognition of Rockhill's proud military history. The Molloys were keen that the soldiers who served here should be the first to see how their former base is being transformed. The renovation of the property to its former Georgian glory is now close to completion and Rockhill House is scheduled to open this June as an exclusive wedding and special events venue. The day commenced with Mass celebrated by Fr Alan Ward CF in the new Orangerie. Fr Ward had travelled from Finner Camp as part of a sig- nificant delegation of serving DF members. Young Manorcunningham singer, Amy Meehan, sang during the Mass and was joined on the recessional hymn, How Great Thou Art, by a rousing throng of male voices from the congregation. This was followed by a refrain played by two military pipers dressed in full regalia. A/OC 28 Inf Bn, Comdt John Martin, paid tribute to the camaraderie of those soldiers who had en- dured the best and worst of times together in Let- terkenny. He also praised the work of the Molloy family in bringing life back to Rockhill House. "I had the great privilege of leading B Coy out of Rockhill – a bittersweet thing on a sad day for us as soldiers." He continued: "Down through the years for you who served here, the long hours, the unpredictability, the dif- ficult circumstances and poor conditions, were all endured with good humour; with positive attitude; and with loyalty towards the organisation, the unit and each other. The comradeship and teamwork that existed is something we should not forget. Those are very important qualities and I pay tribute to you as soldiers and former soldiers of the 28th Battalion, the 24th Battalion, the 50th Bat- talion, and other units that are here today. Comdt Martin con- cluded: "I'd like to pay tribute to John Mol- loy for the vision, the courage, the deter- mination and energy that have gone into changing a location that was on the way down into one that is on the way up. Rock- hill is now a going concern; beautifully restored and brought back to life in a manner that will enhance not just Letterkenny, but also the entire North-West. That is a significant achievement; we are delighted that you have done it; and we pay tribute to you for doing it." Rockhill General Manager Donal Cox said: "The great depth of love that exists for Rockhill was very evident today. From early morning we all knew that a special day was in store as the regiments of soldiers began to arrive. I extend warm thanks to Father Alan and the Defence Forces in assisting to make the day possible - the first of many reunions at Rockhill." The day finished with tours of the house where former soldiers were able to see the transformation that had taken place. Many swapped tales of how day-to-day life was in the garrison – the boxes of just- churned butter and churns of fresh milk for the tea; the treat of thick jam sandwiches; the tricks with light switches to make a gullible comrade think the ghost of the Blue Lady was on the prowl; tours to Lebanon and beyond; and the night-time Troubles-era searches for a simple way home along the winding Border. Visit www.facebook.com/rockhillhou- seestate or www.rockhillhouse.ie events@rockhillhouse.ie ph: 087 148 3591 By THERESE MCKENNA OF STORYBURST.ORG

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