An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir June 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | By CPL LEE COYLE PHotoS By CPL KELLY GALLAGHER T he military show season has begun and Listowel Military tattoo is always one of the first and is highly recommended among enthusiasts. An Cosantóir was at hand to sample some of the displays and re-enactments, while also getting the chance to set up a stall to sell and familiarise people with our magazine. This is the fifth annual Tattoo to be held and usually runs over the May bank holiday weekend. It always brings a large crowd of enthusiasts, historians, and like- minded military aficionados to the town. This year's event was dedicated to Captain John I. O'Sullivan, a native of Tralee, who was a helicopter pilot in the 174th Aviation Company, US Army, and was one of the most highly decorated combat pilots in US Army Aviation. His awards include a Distinguished Service Cross awarded for actions during the Vietnam War, six Dis- tinguished Flying Cross, five Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and three Silver Stars. Over the weekend of the Tattoo there was lots to see around the town includ- ing a replica Spitfire (built by members of the Listowel Men's Shed for last years show), that sat proudly in the town square and was a great sight to see for motorists and people on foot as they came into the town. A Living History Park was set up just off the main square that was filled with different eras of militaria, from the middle ages to modern day, so there was lots to catch the imagination of all ages. Some great displays of Viking and Middle ages, showing aspects of life, with great staged fight scenes using swords and shields. One of the main highlights of the show was a working Huey Helicopter that seen service in Vietnam, similar to what Captain John I. O'Sullivan would have flown during his career. The helicop- ter on loan from a private collector had flown over from England in the days previous. Its familiar sound became a great addition to the show, as it completed aerial flybys and demonstrations, which was an interesting sight and really added to the experience. On the second day of the event, veter- ans from around the country and other nations held a parade and wreath laying cer- emony with a special memo- rial service for Captain O'Sullivan. Invited Veterans from the US Army, who had served with him, spoke of their fondness and also told the inevitable war stories of his heroics and his great leadership, which gave you a sense of connection to the man himself. On the final day there was a perfor- mance from the Bombshell Belles, an acapella style group, who performed some popular music of the 40s and 50s. They ser- enaded the large crowd that had gathered in the town square. After their perfor- mance a battle re-enactment took place in the square against axis and allied forces. The Listowel Military Tattoo is a very enjoyable festival that is a must for anybody with a military interest, with something to see and do over the whole weekend. The show closes with a Hanger Dance on the last night, with some people dressing in WWII period attire and accompanied by another entertaining performance by the Bombshell Belles. listowel Military tattoo

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