Ireland's Military Story

Category: Irish Defence Forces

  • Provisional Government Take Possession of Barracks

    Provisional Government Take Possession of Barracks

    Provisional Government Take Possession of Barracks

    Updated 2 February 2022

    In January 1922, military and police barracks began to be handed over to the newly established Irish Provisional Government. On Thursday the 26th, 150 officers and men vacated Clogheen Barracks, Co. Tipperary; on Saturday 28th, Mallow Military Barracks in Co. Cork, was handed over to Commandant General Liam Lynch; on Sunday the 29th, in Cahir, Co. Tipperary the 2nd Brigade Royal Filed Artillery vacated and handed over the barracks; while on Wednesday 1 February, in Sligo, the 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment handed over their barracks at the courthouse. In all cases local units of the Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.) took possession. Also on the 31 January, the headquarters of the Auxiliary Division, Royal Irish Constabulary (R,I.C.), at Beggar’s Bush Barracks, Haddington Road, Dublin, was formally handed over to the Provisional Government: Commandant-General M’Mahon Quartermaster IRA, and Commandant J. Dalton Chief Liaison Officer, took over the barracks from Mr. A. W. Cope, Assistant Under-Secretary, Dublin Castle and General Wood, Commander of the Auxiliary RIC.

    • I.R.A. at Cahir Barracks, Co. Tipperary following the handover on Sunday 29th. Freeman’s Journal, 3 February 1922.
    • I.R,A. at Mallow Barracks following the handover.. Irish Independent, 1 February 1922.

    To cheering crowds the following day a newly uniformed and armed contingent of the Dublin Guard marched through Dublin City to take possession of the barracks. The detachment of Provisional Government troops had been in training and equipping in the Celbridge Workhouse (today Colourtrend) , Co. Kildare, for several weeks. Travelling by char-à-banc, they assembled at the Gough Memorial at the Phoenix Park under the command of Captain Paddy Daly. The Freeman’s Journal commented on the detachments turnout and the men themselves: ‘All carried short Lee-Enfield rifles of the most recent make. They were stalwart men, none under six foot, broad-shouldered and athletic, veterans in the War of Freedom.’ Their new grey-green uniform was produced by The Irish Co-operative Clothing Manufacturing Society.

    Led by the Fianna Pipe Band in their saffron kilts, the contingent paraded from the Phoenix Park at 2:30pm, down the quays, across Gratton Bridge and down Dame Street. Along the way the were cheered by vigorous crowds. At City Hall (the Provisional Government offices), delegates were there to review them including President of the Provisional Government Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. As they got closer to City Hall the crowds could hear the familiar tune ‘the Green Flag’. On approaching the reviewing stand the City Hall Guard saluted and were ordered to ‘Present – Arms!’, returning the salute Captain Daly ordered ‘Eyes – Right!’

    The contingent then paraded past College Green, Trinity College, Merrion Square, and Mount Street. All along the way people cheer the small band on with shouts of ‘Hurrah!’ and ‘God Save Ireland!’ tricolour flags adorned the crowds and hung from buildings. As they approached Beggar’s Bush Barracks, around 3:30pm, the Dublin Metropolitan Police on duty opened the gates. On entry the gates were closed to the public.

    A clip from the British Pathé News Archive showing the handover of Beggar’s Bush Barracks to the Provisional Government.

    Entering the barracks, the Provisional Government troops were met by a select gathering of priests and officials. Waiting to handover the barracks were Mr James McMabon, Under-Secretary of State and Mr A. W. Cope, Assistant Under-Secretary. Provisional Government delegates included Mr Richard Mulcahy (in a Comdt’s uniform), Minister for Defence, accompanied by his wife; General Eoin O’Duffy, Chief of Staff, and G O’Sullivan, Adjacent General.

    Sunday Independent, 5 February 1922.

    Lined up on the square the contingent were inspected by O’Daffy and Mulcahy, who presented a large tricolour to Captain Daly. Following the inspection Mr Mulcahy delivered a short address in which he praised Daly’s men for being the first of a new army and thanked them individually, he said that this was an ‘event of which they could not at present estimate the importance.’

    The Dublin Guard and Fianna Pipe Band at Beggar’s Bush Barracks. (Image courtesy of Military Archives)

    The papers also noted that on the same day the Provisional Government received from Gormanstown Camp, twenty-one former RIC motor vehicles, comprising: three Leyland lorries and eighteen Crossley and Hudson touring cars; the latter including six tenders with 6 seats arranged back-to-back.

    Scenes from the takeover of Beggar’s Bush Barracks and possession of former R.I.C. vehicles. Irish Independent, 2 February 1922.
  • Cathal Berry TD, Commandant Rtd, Irish Army 1995–2019

    Cathal Berry TD, Commandant Rtd, Irish Army 1995–2019

    Cathal Berry TD, Commandant Rtd, Irish Army 1995–2019

    Taking part in our Kildare’s Veterans’ and Ex-Service Personnel oral history project is Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces veteran Dr Cathal Berry T.D. in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Cathal is an Independent TD for the constituency of Kildare South. Cathal is a father, husband, doctor, veteran and is a resident of Portarlington, Co. Laois. He is married to Orla and is the proud father of their young children Tom and Katie.

    Prior to becoming a TD, Cathal spent 23 years in the Irish Defence Forces. He entered military service with the Cadet School, Military College, Curragh Camp in 1995. After a tough 21 months training he was commissioned into the Infantry Corps. During his time in the Defence Forces, he spent six years in the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) and served overseas in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East. In 2008, Cathal led an ARW unit in Chad. He later took a self-funded career break to qualify as a medical doctor in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland He subsequently worked in the HSE Ireland hospital emergency departments all over the country and then returned to the Defence Forces where he was appointed head of the Military Medical School in the Curragh, Co. Kildare. He retired from service at the rank of Commandant.

    This project is supported by Kildare County Council Heritage Office and Creative Ireland.

  • Royal Irish and Defence Forces Musicians Lift the Air of Albert

    Royal Irish and Defence Forces Musicians Lift the Air of Albert

    Royal Irish and Defence Forces Musicians Lift the Air of Albert

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    Last updated 14:03 29 November 2021

    Following the commemoration service at Thiepval to mark the centenary of the Ulster Memorial Tower on Friday, the combined bands of the Royal Irish Regiment Bugles, Pipes and Drums and Regimental Band, and the Irish Defence Forces 2nd Brigade Band played a concert at Basilique Notre-Dame de Brebières, Albert. Conducted by WO1 Richard Douglas MBE, Royal Irish Regiment and Capt. Tom Kelly, 2nd Brigade, guests were treated to a lively and solemn selection of Irish tunes, regimental marches and Great War era music.

    Video by Terry Healy

    March Militaire, Gael Force, Path to Peace, Star of County Down, Keep the Home Fires Burning, Regimental March of the Royal Irish Rifles, and Fáinne Geal An Lae, are just a few of the tunes that enchanted the audience. The mezzo-soprano and alto Emma Brown performed a beautiful recital of Danny Boy. In Irish tradition the pipes were sounded for the grande finale and the Pipes and Drums marched through the Basilique and up the streets of Albert to the regimental march Killaloe.

    In Irish tradition the pipes were sounded for the finale and the Pipes and Drums marched through the Basilique and up the streets of Albert to the regimental march Killaloe.

    From l-r: Paul Givan MLA, First Minister of Northern Ireland; Claude Cliquet, Lord Mayor of Albert; Valérie Saintoyant, Sous-préfète; Carol Walker MBE, Director of Somme Association; Major General C R J Weir DSO MBE, Colonel The Royal Irish Regiment.
  • Ulster Tower Centenary Commemorated in France

    Ulster Tower Centenary Commemorated in France

    Ulster Tower Centenary Commemorated in France

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    Updated 13:07, 24 November 2021

    The centenary of the Ulster Memorial Tower was commemorated this morning in Northern France.

    Inaugurated on 19 November 1921, the Ulster Tower at Thiepval on the Somme commemorates the sacrifice of soldiers from Ulster and across the island of Ireland during the First World War. The Ulster Tower stands on the ground attacked at great cost by the 36th (Ulster) Division on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916.

    The combined musicians of the Bugles Pipes and Drums, Regimental Band of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Defence Forces 2nd Brigade Band, march on the standards provided by members of the Royal British Legion.

    This morning’s commemoration was attended by dignitaries including First Minister of Northern Ireland Paul Givan MLA, Ireland’s Minister of State Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for EU Affairs Thomas Byrne TD, British Ambassador to France Her Excellency Menna Rawlings and Counsellor at the Irish Embassy in Paris Owen Feeney. The service was led by Rt. Rev. Dr. David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; Rev. Dr. Sahr Yamhasu, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland; and The Most Revd. Francis John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh.

    The ceremony was supported by the Bugles, Pipes and Drums and the Regimental Band of the British Army’s Royal Irish Regiment and by the 2nd Brigade Band of the Irish Defence Forces. The military musicians were accompanied by mezzo-soprano and alto Emma Brown who sung You’ll Never Walk Alone.

    Following the ceremony First Minister Mr. Givan said: “It’s an honour for me to be here today on this historic occasion to mark 100 years of the Ulster Tower which memorialises the sacrifice that was made by the men of the 36th Ulster Division and remembers those who served from right across Ireland in the First World War.”

    “The connections with the Ulster Division and the Irish Division is something that we always need to remember, where people stood side by side irrespective of their religion or indeed their identity, whether they were British or Irish, they shed blood together here in the trenches and stood in common cause for the freedoms that we enjoy today.”

    Reiterating the importance of today’s commemoration Minister Thomas Byrne stated: “It is an honour to be here at the Ulster Tower. It is essential that we commemorate all those who died in battle during World War One, knowing that the soldiers that are commemorated here are from all nine counties of Ulster and many are from across the island of Ireland North and South fought in World War One and died in World War One. It is critical that we continue to honour their memories and to work always for peace and reconciliation both at home and indeed across the globe.

    Today’s event was organised by the Somme Association, based in Newtownards, County Down, who are responsible for the maintenance of the Ulster Tower.

    As the combined Royal Irish Regiment and Defence Forces bands marched from the Ulster Memorial Tower at the end of the centenary commemoration last week to the tune of On Raglan Road, it was a moment to reflect on the importance on the occasion. The Ulster Memorial Tower stands tribute to those from the province of Ulster, in particular to members of the 36th Ulster Division, who fought during the Great War and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today it is sacred ground.

    Ulster Tower Centenary Album

    Ulster Tower Memorial Centenary 19 November 2021 Thiepval , France, Photos by John O’Byrne
  • Recording Ireland’s Contribution to World Peace

    Recording Ireland’s Contribution to World Peace

    Recording Ireland’s Contribution to World Peace


    As part of a project to record Ireland’s contribution to world peace, we visited Post 11, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), in the Curragh Camp Co. Kildare. There we met and spoke with Irish Defence Forces veterans Company Quartermaster Sergeant Tony O’Reilly, Sergeant Major John Murray, and Sergeant Denis Gratten; who between them served on 34 missions around the world. Both John and Denis are Kildare men all their lives, while Tony came to the Curragh in 1974 from Waterford and has called it his home ever since.

    The three men have unique perspectives on service overseas due to their diverse skillsets including logistics, communications, and crime scene investigation. They served in missions such as: United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG); United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon; United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II); European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) Bosnia and Herzegovina; and with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. It was remarkable to hear the evolution of peacekeeping and overseas operations spanning almost 50 years.
    Even though retired the veterans of IUNVA are still giving back and helping in the local community and supporting veterans.

    IUNVA Post 11 veterans Tony O’Reilly, Denis Grattan, and John Murray. Photo by John O’Byrne.

    Thank you for your service.


    This project is supported by Kildare County Council Heritage Office, Creative Ireland, Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers.

  • Sergeant Matty Gardiner

    Sergeant Matty Gardiner

    Sergeant Matty Gardiner, 12th Infantry Battalion, Irish Defence Forces/Óglaigh na hÉireann

    Born in 1943, Matty is a retired Sergeant from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Irish Defence Forces/Óglaigh na hÉireann in Limerick. He comes from a large military family whose service dates back to their grandfather, George, who served and died with the Royal Munster Fusiliers in World War 1. His father, Peter, served in the fledgling Irish National Army and Defence Forces. At one time eleven members of his family were serving in the 12th Infantry Battalion at the same time. Matt too has a distinguished service at home and on United Nations service. Matty completed several Untied Nations tours of duty: 38th Infantry Battalion, ONUC (Opération des Nations Unies au Congo in the Congo) (1962-63), the 40th Infantry Battalion, UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) (1964), and with the 24th Infantry Group, UNFICYP (1973). Thank you to the Patrick Sarsfield Branch, Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel Ireland for their support in this production.

    • George Gardiner Royal Munster Fusiliers
    • Peter Gardiner, Irish National Army
    • Mathew Gardiner United Nations Peacekeeper
  • Veterans’ Support Recommences

    Veterans’ Support Recommences

    Veterans’ Support Recommences

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    As Covid restrictions ease, veterans support has recommenced in person. Coinciding with the anniversary of the Defence Forces on 1 October, The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE Ireland) invited veterans back to the much-loved coffee mornings in barracks and support centres throughout the country. The coffee mornings gives veterans a chance to meet, catch up and chat. They a very important part of support given by O.N.E. and the Defence Forces to veterans. We were delighted to attend the gathering in The Michael Collins Club, Cathal Brugha Barracks, where veterans honoured an old comrade.

    Former 2nd Infantry Battalion Sergeant & Olympic Gold Medallist, Michael Carruth, was conferred as an Honorary Member of the Cathal Brugha Branch O.N.E. Also in attendance was Private Seán Mari from 7th Infantry Battalion & the Monkstown Boxing Club. Seán represented Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces at the 58th CISM World Military Boxing Championship last week, reaching the quarter-finals and coming home with a Bronze Medal.

    Presentations of donations for this year’s Fuchsia Appeal were made by the 2nd Infantry Battalion Association and veterans now working in ESB Networks.

    Congratulations to all involved and please remember to support this year’s Fuchsia Appeal.

  • Appointment of Defence Forces Chief of Staff

    Appointment of Defence Forces Chief of Staff

    Appointment of Defence Forces Chief of Staff

    Photos courtesy of Defence Forces Press Office

    Yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney TD, appointed Lieutenant General Seán Clancy as the new Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy joined the Irish Defence Forces in 1984 as a cadet and commenced his flight training in 1986.

    He has flown both fixed and rotary wing aircraft and has accumulated nearly 5,000 flight hours. He is a qualified type and instrument-rating examiner, a qualified flight simulator instructor and has most recently held type, instrument and NVG ratings on the AW139. He spent a considerable period of his career as a Search and Rescue pilot and was the commander of the crew who received the Marine Medal for Meritorious Service in 2002.Lieutenant General Clancy has been a driver of change and a champion for innovation within the Defence Forces. He played a central role in the development of the Ireland’s first Emergency Aeromedical Service established in 2012. He has been a strong advocate for Leadership and was the co-author of the Defence Forces Leadership Doctrine published in 2016. He subsequently led the team who developed the current vision and values-based strategy for the Defence Forces post the publication of the White Paper on Defence.

    He has served in appointments including Squadron Commander, Wing Commander, Senior Staff Officer Operations, Senior Staff Officer Personnel, Chief of Air Staff Support in Air Corps Headquarters and Director of Strategic Planning Branch, Chief of Staff’s Branch, Defence Forces Headquarters. Prior to promotion he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) as well as General Officer Commanding, Irish Air Corps and Director of Military Aviation. He has served for a year with the European Union Force in Bosnia as the military advisor to the Force Commander and spent two years as a non-permanent member of SHIRBRIG, the UN standby Brigade.

    Lieutenant General Seán Clancy
  • 97 Years Defending Ireland

    97 Years Defending Ireland

    97 Years Defending Ireland – Irish Defence Forces 1924 – 2021

    Photos courtesy of Defence Forces Press Office

    Today the Irish Defence Forces(Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces) celebrates its 97th anniversary. On 1 October 1924, the Executive Council formally established Óglaigh na hÉireann – the Irish Defence Forces under the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923. The Defence Forces evolved from the National Army which had helped establish the democratic institutions of the new Free State: Saorstát na hÉireann.The past year has been a busy one for the Irish Defence Forces. The three services – Army, Air Corps and Naval Service – played a pinnacle role in the State’s fight against Covid-19. Throughout this time units continued to deploy personnel on security duties at home and on overseas service. Deployments this year included continued commitments to international peace and security in South Lebanon, Syria, and Mali to name but a few, along with undertaking a ECAT (Emergency Civil Assistance Team) operation in support of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to return Irish civilians from Afghanistan. The 75th anniversary of the ending of the Emergency and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Naval Service remined us of the commitment the men and women of the Defence Forces have played in defending and securing Ireland and its people.

    Thank you for your service

  • Veterans Charity Marks 70 Years

    Veterans Charity Marks 70 Years

    Veterans Charity Marks 70 years with Launch of 2021 Fuchsia Appeal

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    For 70 years Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel: O.N.E.) has supported veterans of the Irish Defence Forces. To mark this anniversary it launched this year’s Fuchsia Appeal at Dublin’s Mansion House, the very spot the organisation was formed in 1951.

    Since its inception O.N.E. has stood to its founding principles set out by General Costello. In a 1951 message to ex-servicemen he said:

    ‘It is important that we remember what brings us together – what interest we have in common. It is quite simply the common bond of past service in Ireland in her armed forces. We are old comrades in arms wishing to maintain and strengthen old associations and traditions’

    General Costello 1951

    The fundraising appeal is in aid of Defence Forces veterans who have experienced severe circumstances including homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues. The Fuchsia Appeal campaign will take place from 25 September until 1 October. Members and volunteers will sell fuchsia emblems to raise vital funds for veterans. O.N.E.’s current services cost in the region of €1 million annually and this will rise to €1.5M to adequately address the needs of veterans and to finance the associated services such as helping veterans obtaining permanent housing, access to mental health support and helping veterans re-integrate back into civilian life. O.N.E. assist Defence Forces Veterans with transitioning back into civilian life through the provision of accommodation and providing mental health resources, including help with addiction and peer support. The charity also aids veterans in their search for employment, sustaining permanent housing and has a 90% success rate of getting people who stay in O.N.E. homes back into mainstream living. O.N.E. operates four homes in Athlone, Dublin, Cobh (opening in October 2021), and Letterkenny providing for 54 veterans. A fifth home is planned for Cork City. The charity also runs 37 branches across Ireland, along with 15 support centres. O.N.E. provides 20,000 beds annually, has kept 1,000 veterans off the streets and 90% of veterans go on to have permanent housing.

    The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Alison Gilliland welcomed the veterans to the Mansion House Round Room. She applauded the charity for the work they do and the service of the veterans they support. Commenting on the launch of the Fuchsia Appeal, O.N.E. CEO Ollie O’ Connor, said: “We are delighted to launch our annual Fuchsia appeal which is particularly poignant as the charity was established 70 years ago here in the Mansion House. Since the charity’s inception in 1951, ONE has helped countless veterans get their lives back on track and without vital funds we would not be able to continue our efforts. “The aim of this fundraiser is to honour the many veterans who have served our country and now need our help to get back on their feet. The past 18 months have been profoundly difficult as the charity was forced to cancel the fundraiser last year due to the pandemic which had a significant effect on our income. The theme of this year’s Fuchsia Appeal is “Help O.N.E. make Ireland one of the best places to be a Veteran” and through our fundraising efforts, the goal is to continue expanding on the vital services of ONE and to generate more awareness and care for our veterans.”

    Officially launching the appeal, DCOS Support, Major General Seán Clancy said:

    “It is 70 years since ONE was formed, a wonderful organisation which provides support, comradeship and advocacy for our veterans. I am very honoured to launch the annual Fuchsia appeal and support this most worthwhile of charities. The past 18 months, in the midst of a global pandemic, has heightened the challenges faced by some of our former members. Óglaigh na hÉireann recognises the need to provide support to its retired servicemen and women who are part of our Defence Forces family. We are fully committed to helping ONE and their wonderful work in supporting our veterans”.