With their guns and drums...
A large crowd gathered outside the gates of Carlow Military Barracks on
Tuesday morning as convoys of British troops were leaving Carlow.
Among them was recently released I.R.A. man, Tom Seeley, who shouted to
one of the departing officers; “good riddance to the king's rubbish"
the officer replied; " Mr. Seeley don't be too enthusiastic, for you
will be welcoming us back soon to prevent all you Irish from killing
each other".
Commandant Liam Stack, who is mentioned in this report, was one of the
leading I.R.A. figures during the War of Independence. He had been
placed, working undercover, in Carlow where he was employed under
the name "John Leahy" in McAnally's Pharmacy (later Coreless's
Chemist shop) in Dublin Street.
In 1921 he commandeered Duckett's Grove during the Truce, where he
recruited members of the I.R.A. and others to help form the new
Irish Free State Army. He subsequently married Sarah Reynolds,
daughter of the caretaker of Carlow Court House, and in later years
he served as a Chief Superintendent in the Irish Police Force
(Garda).
The following report was published in the Nationalist and Leinster
Times.on the 11th February 1922.
Military Leaving Carlow.
Barracks Taken Over.
Early in the week one hundred men of the Northumberland Fusiliers left
Carlow, and during later days the remainder took their leave. In the
meantime the stores, etc. had been auctioned and removed.
It was at first stated that the formal taking over of the Barracks by
the Irish Republican Army would take place on Tuesday morning, but
the function was postponed till the following afternoon at 3
o'clock. Then 5 o'clock was mentioned.
A large crowd had assembled in town, and there was much enthusiasm. The
band of the Fianna was in readiness. However, shortly after noon on
Thursday the Barracks were taken over, Brigade -Commandant Liam
Stack, was accompanied by several of the local staff, and the
general appearance of the occupying detachment reflected credit on
the Commandant and all concerned.
The detachment left the Town Hall for the Barracks. A large number had
assembled. Apart altogether from the processional display there was
a large assemblage at the barrack gate, and when the well appointed
men of the I.R.A. passed through the portals a ringing cheer went
up. No doubt the scene was heartening.
Carlow Military Barracks --one of the oldest in Ireland -- was taken
over by the forces of the Irish Nation. A large Sinn Fein flag was
hoisted over the central entrance, and before a good many people
understood the significance and historicity of the scene the crowd
had dispersed.
Perhaps one of the best comments on the incident was passed by one old
lady who tearfully exclaimed in accents full of sincerity: "Thanks
be to God".
So say we all.
The above is a true and
accurate transcript of the original document.
- Transcribed by M. Purcell c2008.
- Old newspapers in the PPP.