Centenary of Handover of Power to Provisional Government
Photos by John O’Byrne
Updated 20 January 2022
On 16 January 1922 at 13:45, the last Lord Lieutenant, or Viceroy, of Ireland – Edmund FitzAlan-Howard – formally handed over power and Dublin Castle itself, to the new Provisional Government. Today marks the 100th anniversary of this historic moment – one of the most significant in modern Irish history. It is an honour to attend the State commemoration today in the Upper Castle Yard of Dublin Castle to mark the centenary of the hand over. In attendance are the President of Ireland – Michael D Higgins, An Taoiseach – Micheál Martin TD, Tánaiste – Leo Varacdkar TD, members of the Dáil and Seanad, and the and diplomatic corps. Members of the Defence Forces are providing the ceremonial honours for the occasion. For those at home the ceremony is being broadcast live on RTÉ One.
Members of the Defence Forces played a prominent ceremonial role at the centenary commemoration of the handover of power on 16 January 1922 to the Provisional Government in Dublin Castle. The Captain’s Guard of Honour – commanded by Captain Shane Flood – was made up of personnel from 3 Infantry Battalion, Stephen’s Barracks, Kilkenny; the Guard of Honours Flag Officer was Second Lieutenant Zara Bolger. The Captain’s Escort of Honour – commanded by Captain Michael Conneely – was provided by 2 Cavalry Squadron from Cathal Brugha Barracks. The No 1 Army Band conducted by Captain John Carpenter, was accompanied by Piper – Company Sergeant Kevin Duncan. The National Flag was carried on parade and raised by Captain Paul Ryan – Officer Training Wing, and Sergeant Shirley Stafford – No. 3 Operations Wing. Shirley has unbroken family service since 1922. Her Great Grandfather Christopher Jordan – service No. 4869 – enlisted on 13 April 1922. Other ceremonial components were made up representatives from the 7 Infantry Battalion, Air Corps and Naval Service.
