Renmore barracks marks centenary of British handover of the garrison
Around 800 members of the public came through the gates of Renmore barracks last week during an event to mark the centenary of the handover of garrison by the British to the Irish State.
Personnel from An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe – the 1st Infantry Battalion – marched through the main gate of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa or Mellows’ Barracks at 1pm kicking off the commemoration.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Damien Murphy, addressed the parade before Company Quartermaster Sergeant PJ Maloney gave an historical reflection on the significance of the day.
He spoke about the significance of the Barracks and Unit itself, which is the only designated Irish speaking unit of the Defence Forces. Established in the Curragh, it moved to Galway in 1925.
Father Paul Murphy led prayers before the Lt Cl Murphy, laid a wreath to remember those who were killed in previous conflicts.
The ceremony concluded with the Commanding Officer marching the Regimental and National Colour Parties off the parade before dismissing the rest of the parade.
After the formalities, there was an open day for family and friends of past and serving members of the Irish Defence Forces, Members of the unit displayed various weapons, kit and equipment to the estimated 800 adults and children who attended.
It was February 13, 1922 when the British Forces left Renmore Barracks, handing over the reins to Commandant Sean Broderick, Officer Commanding 4th Battalion of the 2nd Brigade of the 1st West Division of the old IRA.
He led a group of Óglaigh na hÉireann through the gates and raised the Irish national colours following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty by Michael Collins.
The barracks were completely renovated in 1936 and in 1952 were officially renamed Dún Ui Mhaoilíosa after Liam Mellows, the former IRA leader and TD for Galway East.
There are currently 320 soldiers stationed in the Galway facility.