DEPOT & SCHOOL, CORPS OF ENGINERS, McDERMOTT BARRACKS, CURRAGH CAMP

“ IOSTA AGUS SCOIL, AN COR INNEALTOIR”, DUN MHIC DIARMADA”, CAMPA AN CHURRAIGH”

The Corps of Engineers was established on the 1st October 1924, to provide Engineer Support to the Irish Defence Forces, both at home and abroad. The Headquarters of the Corps was the Depot & School, Corps of Engineers, which was based in McDermott Barracks, Curragh Camp. But unfortunately, due to the Re-Organisation of the Defence Forces , the Depot Engineers as we knew it, is no more and it is now known as the Engineer Group and it is a component of the Logs Base, Curragh , and is based in Ceannt House. The Engineer School however, is an integral part of the Combat Support College, and it is based in Plunkett Barracks.

I was based there for the greater part 0f 34 years, and here is a short account that I have compiled from memory, of the time that I was stationed there, and in particular, the names of the people that I can remember that I would have served with . I joined the Army Apprentice School in August 1962 as a Member of No. 7 Platoon, and when I Passed-Out in June 1965, I was posted to Depot Ordnance, Clancy Barracks . I transferred from there to the 2nd Fd Engineer Coy, Clancy Barracks, in March 1967, and I subsequently transferred from there to Depot Engineers in March 1968. I was based there for the greater part of my career, until my Retirement in October 2002, having completed 40 Years Service in total.

And among the people that I remember serving there at that time and in later years were my late Father – John Kelly, R.I.P. , who was the RQMS, and Bill Cramer R.I.P., who was the RSM.. (They both Retired in March 1974). My Late Father then took up employment as the Range Warden for the Curragh Cuntil his Retirement in 1980. Both of my Parents lived at 6 Owen Roe Road, Curragh, and afterwards in Kilcullen. My Father sadly passed-away on 03 December 1985 R.I.P., and my Mother in May 2009. R.I.P. I remember Ned Cramer,(A Brother of Bill) R.I.P.), Joe Pickering, R.I.P., Harry Wolverson, R.I.P., Tommy Carroll, R.I.P. Joe Fahy, R.I.P., “Bats” Boudron, R.I.P., Alfie Johnston,(Who was the holder of the DSM, which he was awarded during his tour of Duty with the U.N. in the Congo), Tommy “The Yank” Murray, R.I.P., Paddy Conroy, Bill Byrne, Paddy “The Mag” Donohue, R.I.P., Robbie Meehan (The Tailor), R.I.P. Tom Burke, Mick Hayes, Tony Grant, Brian Copeland, Larry Houlihan, and his Brother – Dec Houlihan, “Jemser” Farrell, R.I.P., Bertie Stewart, R.I.P., Bill Whoriskey, R.I.P. ,Tom Byrne, John “Whiskey” McGivney, R.I.P., Timmy Carroll, R.I.P., Paddy Power, R.I.P., Billy Bohan, Sean “Bunny” Dowling, R.I.P., John Davis, Mick Lennon, R.I.P., Alfie O’Donnell, R.I.P., Mick “ The Jet” O’Brien, R.I.P., Bob McSweeney, R.I.P., Paddy Power, R.I.P., Paddy Sullivan, Wilfie Cronin, Larry Ryan (81), and his Brothers Tommy Ryan, and Jimmy Ryan,(They also had a Brother Bob, who was a member of the Aer Corps), Michael(Murt) O’Brien, Noel Brannigan, R.I.P., Phil Grant, Joe Larkin, Pat “Seasca Do” Kelly, R.I.P., Richie McGrath, R.I.P., Johnny Hynes, R.I.P., Mick Breen (60), R.I.P. Frank Breen (40), Joe Burke, R.I.P., Christy Coady, (Christy was always very reliable), Paddy “The Whacker” O’Grady, R.I.P., Joey Kelly,(04) Michael Sixmith, Dec Ryan, R.I.P., Murt Phelan, R.I.P., Joe O’Leary(19), and his brother Tommy O’Leary (26), Johnny Jordan R.I.P., Noel Hanlon, Luke Roberts (42), and his Brother Noel Roberts (41), (R.I.P.), John Murphy (01) (Driver), Paddy Nugent, R.I.P., John Ronan, Jim Downey, Neil Gillespie, Jamesy Campbell, Dessie Mayall, Tom Watson, Dick McCarthy, Brendan Cullen, Frank “Mikey” Roche, R.I.P., Jack Connolly, Pat “The Old Sweat” Kelly, Tony McGovern, John Cunneen, Christy Cronin, Mickey Donohue, Pascal McBride, RI.P., Joe Burke, R.I.P., Liam Archbold, R.I.P., Seanie Whyte, R.I.P., Nicky Tobin, Tommy Tobin, Tom Purcell, R.I.P., Danny Tracey, Gene McCaughey, Davy Power, R.I.P., Martin Curran, Joey Browne, Paddy Fleming, R.I.P., Peter Quinn (23), Ned Lacey and his Brother Pat Lacey, Eamon Nolan, Charlie O’Regan, Grainne Cummins, Gerry Doyle, Dick Reid, Mick Brereton,Paul Fitzharris, Paul Howe, Jim Clarke, Paddy Farrell, The Delaney Family from the Curragh were very well represented;- Tony “Big Del” Delaney (07), Brendan Delaney (42), and Sean Delaney (21) . I think that they may have also had a Brother Declan who served in the Depot for a while ?? There were 2 other Delaney brothers from Newbridge – Pat Delaney, and “Miley” Delaney , (No relation) , Dan Whelan and his Brother – Johnnie Whelan, Paddy Nugent, R.I.P., Mousey Connolly, Harry Pearson, John Ronan, “Jack” Whelan (49), R.I.P., Gerry Ryan (56), and his Brother Paul, Pat Whelan,Tom Leslie, Finbar Reilly (51) and his Brother Paul, Tom Fennell, Tom Barnaville, Joe Body, Patsy Colbert, “Barney” Flanagan (91), Fintan Murray, R.I.P., John Fitzgerald, Peter Clifford and his Brother Tommy Clifford, Timmy Shanahan, RI.P., John Fitzpatrick, Johnny Corrigan, Tony Doyle, Mick Merrins, Tom Whelan (63), Pat Pender, Mick “The Gunner” O’Reilly, R.I.P., Jack Kelly and his Brother Martin, Denis Aylsbury, Mick Eccles, Sean Johnston, John Foley, John Malone, Tom McDermott, John Meehan, Christy Cronin, Pat Whelan, Gary Laffan, (A Member of the Wexford team that won the All-Ireland Hurling Final in 1996), Liam Stapleton, John Sheils, Andy Balfe, Jimmy Ruffley, Deccie Garret, Pat “Murdock” Maloney, Ollie McInerney,Terry Bergin, Terry O’Leary, Colm Walsh, Gerry Loftus, Pat Loftus, Tom Maxwell, Gordon Buckley, Andrew Vivash, Pat Wall, Timmy Touhy, John Smyth, The Commanding Officer when I joined the Unit was Lt. Col. B.A.J. Hanrahan, and the E.O. was Comdt, Whyte (Known to all as W.W.) R.I.P., , Capt. Luke Mullins, R.I.P., Capt “Ambie” Brophy, R.I.P., Comdt. Dan Donovan, Capt. John Gahan,R.I.P., Capt. Sean Berry, Capt. Macken, and Comdt. G.A. McCutchen R.I.P., and Capt. Mick Hughes who were in the Engineer School. And the Commanding Officers that I can remember afterwards were;- Lt. Col. Willie Whyte, R.I.P., Lt. Col. Jim Seward, Lt. Col. “Mossy” Shanahan, R.I.P., Lt. Col. Sean Doolan, R.I.P., Lt. Col. Larry Conran, Lt. Col. Gerry McCutcheon, R.I.P., Lt. Col. Gordon Birch, Lt. Col. Frank Kearney and Lt. Col. John Gahan. And the Staff Officers were Capt. Barry Studdert, Capt. J.J. O’Neill, Captain A.J. Carr, Capt. Colm Madigan, Capt “Ronnie” Bermingham, Capt Jim Foran, R.I.P., Capt Billy Enright, Lt. Col. Tony Kelly, R.I.P., Comdt. Martin Collins, Comdt. Peter Riordan, Comdt. Des Page, Comdt. Conor Furey, Comdt. Aidan Dempsey, Comdt. J.F. O’Driscoll, Comdt. Dominic Noone, Comdt. Eoin O’Riagain, Comdt. Maxie McCormick, Comdt Ciaran Spollen, Comdt. John Buckle, R.I.P. Comdt. Heffernan, Comdt. Eddie Fitzgerald, Comdt. Billy Donagh, Capt. Tony Byrne, Capt. O’Boyle, Capt. Seamus O’Sullivan, Capt. Marie Flynn, Capt. John Fitzmaurice, Capt. John McNamara, Comdt Pat Doogue(Tech Stores), Capt. Dave Doogue. And other Officers that I remember from the Field Company’s and the Director’s Office are Comdt. Gill, Comdt. MicK Gaffney, Comdt. Brian Hardwicke, Lt.Col Kenneddy, and Comdt. D.L. Murphy .

I remember going on the Annual Corps Training Camp to Fort Camden in Crosshaven, Co. Cork in July 1968. It was very enjoyable, and most of the Unit attended it. I remember 2 of the Pubs there that we used to frequent during our stay;- “The Admiral Drake”, and “The Blue Dolphin” . I returned to Crosshaven last year to visit Fort Camden, but it was closed midweek, and it only opens on week-ends, as I think that it is now in the care of the Local Heritage Trust. I was a Member of the Basic Combat Engineer Course which was run at the Engineer School during July and August 1968. I was a member of the First Technician NCO Course, which was run by the G.T. Depot, McDonagh, and which was held in McDermott Barracks from September to December 1968. It was a short-course, as its duration was just 8 weeks . It comprised of Technicians from both the Defence Forces and the Air Corps. One of the the Officers on the Course was Capt. “Dougie” McManus , who was my Platoon Officer while I was in the Army Apprentice School. The NCO’s were from the G.T.D. as follows:- Billy Fitzpatrick, Ben Reilly, Fintan Morrisey, and Bill Lee. Sgt. Matt Murphy from Collins Bks Cork was also an Instructor on the Course. The Best-Soldier Award went to a member of Depot C.O.E. – Tom Burke . Tom retired from the P.D.F. around 1973. In those days, We had to work for the half-day on Saturday, you had to Parade on Saturday Morning for the Bath Parade and march to the “Bath House” in Ceannt Bks.

The Field Engineer Platoon was formed in the early 1970’s . The original Platoon Officer was Lt. Tony Gillick, and I remember Lt. John Buckley, R.I.P., and Lt. Peter Conran being Platoon Officers afterwards. The Field Engineer Platoon had a big involvement in the organisation of the Boy Scout Jamboree, which was held in Inistogue, Co. Kilkenny in 1978. It was held to mark the 70th Anniversary of Scouting in Ireland . It was officially opened by the President of Ireland – Patrick Hillery. The Jamboree was very successful. And on the social side, one of the Pubs that used to be frequented at night was called “The Spotted Dog” . It is still in the same ownership, but it is now called “O’Donnells”,and I was speaking with the Owner - Johnnie O’Donnell recently, He has very fond memories of the Jamboree, and particularily the members of the Defence Forces of whom, who he spoke very highly. And I think that Billy Finnerty was the Cook that was with the Engineer Platoon for the duration of the Jamboree. Both the The Field Engineer Platoon and the Depot Engineers were deployed on various other operational tasks throughout the Curragh Command over the years . There was a second Field Engineer Platoon formed in the 1980’s.

In 1983, an Engineer Corps Day was held in McDermott Barracks, to mark the Centenary of the Birth of Sean McDermott. The Commanding Officer at the time was Lt.Col. “Mossy” Shanahan. All ex-members of the Corps were invited to attend , and also representatives from other Engineer Units . All the visitors were given a tour of the McDermott Barracks and the Engineer School, and also the training area in Hare Park, and afterwards to a Function which was held in the NCO’s Mess. There was a very large turn-out, and overall the day was very successful, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance .

The NCO’s Mess was a very popular social venue and it had a lot of patrons, both Military and Civilian , especially when there was a Band playing on Saturday nights. There was always a very cordial and friendly atmosphere there. The NCOs mess underwent major renovation and refurbishment around 1973. The Renovation was supervised by Paddy Conroy. And for the duration of the Renovation, the Bar was situated in the Television Room . And I remember the first Barman after the official opening was the late Peter”Whiskey” McGivney, R.I.P. The Bar had a break-in during the first week of opening . But there was no real damage done. It had a very friendly and cordial atmosphere generally. And among the Patrons that I remember over the years were Peter Duffy R.I.P., and his Son – Arthur Duffy, Larry Gorman, R.I.P., Billy McGrath R.I.P., J.B. Flynn(Civilian Chef McDermott Officers Mess) R.I.P., Timmie Carroll R.I.P., Tom Ronan, R.I.P., Christy Gannon R.I.P., Mick Meehan, Mick Quinn R.I.P., Joe Kelly Snr. R.I.P., Jack Daly R.I.P., Dick Rochford R.I.P., Peter and Poppy Dignam R.I.P., Tom and Gertie Coyle, R.I.P., Paddy and Mrs. McNamara, R.I.P., and their Son John McNamara R.I.P., Wally Tobin Snr. R.I.P., Nicky Lynch, Johnny Roe Snr. R.I.P., Peter Whelan, And all the Houlihans who would attend the Derby at the Curragh every year without fail;- Larry and Carmel Houlihan, Mick and May Houlihan, Dec and Margaret Houlihan, Tommy Hynes R.I.P., Eithne Hynes, Cyril Houlihan, Vinnie Houlihan, and Damian Houlihan, Tom Henry R.I.P., Ned McGahy R.I.P., Sammy Oates R.I.P., John Lawlor R.I.P., Larry Moore R.I.P., Con Reilly, Johnny O’Brien R.I.P., Dinny Murphy R.I.P., Jim and Mrs Christie R.I.P., Jack Quigley R.I.P., Mickey Carney, Sean McAlister R.I.P., Charlie and Celcie McAlister, Paddy McCormack, Mick Finglas R.I.P., Gus Reilly, Pat Galvin R.I.P., Murty Moran, Bertie Baker R.I.P., (His Mother was the Caretaker in the Boys National School in the 1950’s), Jim Hand R.I.P., Dick Drohan and his Friend Bob R.I.P., (They used to listen to Ceili House on a Saturday night on a small Transistor Radio that they would have brought in themselves), Wally Tobin Snr R.I.P., Paddy Tobin Snr R.I.P., Tony “Herr” Smyth R.I.P.,(A great character), Barney Redmond, Johnny Walsh R.I.P., Paddy Aspell R.I.P., Pat “The Daw” Costelloe R.I.P., Dan Moore (The Horse Trainer) and Tommy Carberry (The Jockey) who used to come in regularly on a Sunday morning, Tom Sinnott R.I.P., (Tom used to collect every week for the M.H. Pools Draw), Michael McCormack (The local School Teacher), Mick Anderson, Mick Galvin, Pat Galvin R.I.P., Tom Conlan, R.I.P., John Keating R.I.P., and his Son Dermot, Johnny Carr, and a Mr. Valentine from Two-Mile-House, who used to come in after the Bingo which was held in the Old Dance Hall in McDermott on a Saturday night . There was Music nights held on Saturday nights, and by far the most-popular Group to play would have been the late Phil McGrath, and his Wife Una . Phil was a true Curragh legend , along with the late Paddy Geary R.I.P., Mick “Jet” O’Brien, R.I.P., and Brian “Gozzy” Heffernan, R.I.P.

On 26th August 1986, “Hurricane Charley” struck, and high-winds, and torrential rain caused extensive damage throughout the Country, mainly in the Eastern part of the Country, which resulted in Rivers bursting their banks, and Bridges being washed-away, particularily in Co. Wicklow. There was a National Emergency declared, and the Defence Forces were called in to assist Wicklow Co. Council in the provision and erection of suitable Bailey Bridge’s , to replace the Bridges which were either damaged, or washed-away. Two of the worst damaged Bridges were in the Village of Avoca, which spanned the Avoca River, and also in Annamoe which spanned the Avonmore River. Temporary Bailey Bridges were erected at both of these locations by Engineer personnel , with the Manpower and Equipment supplied by Wicklow Co. Council. The Co. Engineer was Gene Doyle, who was a former Officer in the Engineer Corps. Comdt. Peter Riordan and Sgt Wilfie Cronin supervised the erection and launch of the Bailey Bridge in Annamoe, and Comdt. Jim Burke , Sgt Seanie Whyte R.I.P. and myself supervised the erection and launch of the Bailey Bridge in Avoca. And both Bridges were constructed and successfully launched in a matter of a few days. A short while later, there was a 3rd Bailey Bridge Constructed and launched at the Lion’s Arch, Avoca by personnel of the Depot Engineers.

I attended the Curragh Post-Primary School as part of the Army Class in 1987 , to udndergo the Leaving Certificate Course which I completed in 1989. And who remembers the infamous “Block-Leave” , which was introduced, prior to the Annual Engineer Corps Training Camp, which was to be held in Kilworth Camp during the Month of May in the early1980’s The idea was that all the Members of Depot COE had to take their Annual Leave in full during the year, but NOT during the period of the Corps Camp, which was to be held in May of that year, and at which ALL personnel had to attend. Needless to say, the proposal for the Block-Leave was short-lived . Overall, the Corps Camp went well, and it was enjoyed in the main by all in attendance . There was a Lounge Bar not far from the Camp called “The Blue Dragon”, (Now called “The Corbett Court” ), and Susan McCann and her Band played on one of the night’s while we were there. There was a great attendance, and some of the Members of the Depot were there in their capacity as “Members of the McDermott Social Club”, which had been just recently formed , and they really showed their appreciation for the Music as they danced in the front of the stage. (Well it wasn’t “The McDermott Social Club” really, it was something else, and the name escapes me at present) . The Corps Camp, and that night in particular are still very fondly remembered by all. And on a lighter note, it also marked the beginning and end of the “Block-Leave” era .

The Corps Training Camps were usually held in Coolmoney Camp, Co. Wicklow in the Month of May of each year for a duration of 2 Weeks, and at which both the Depot Engineers and the Field Company’s would attend . They were always very well attended and enjoyed generally . Among the members of the Field Company’s which I remember who would be in attendance were Mick O’Neill, Jack Veale, Joe Harte, Ray Murphy, Paul Malone, Patsy Tobin, Martin Kelly, Ned Gaffney, Stevie Coffey, Noel Reidy, Noel “Nipper” Whelan, Jim Brady, R.I.P., Jim Ivory R.I.P., Jack Gibbons, John Harrington, Pat Turner, Paul “Flo” McGlynn, R.I.P. , Mick Crossan, Viv Fennelly, Matty Doyle, Ned Carroll, Mick Cullen, Patsy Dinneen, John Donohue, John McDonagh, John Needham . And there would be regular visits to both “Fentons,” and “The Glen Lounge“ for some much-needed refreshment for the duration of the Camp. . The Barrack Accountant in Coolmoney at the time was CQMS “Mo” Connolly, and the Civilian Foreman was Tony Bracken . Both were always very helpful. And the Depot were involved in the Construction of a Road up the side of the Mountain to the Demolition Range in the Mid-80’s . It was very enjoyable exercise, and the Road is still fondly referred to as “Banana Road” . The Corps Camp was held in Fort Duncannon on a number of occasions also.

The Fire Station was an integral part of the Depot and School . In addition to their normal duties, it conducted Fire Crew Training and Fire Officer and Fire NCO Courses with the Engineer School. It consisted of a Fire Officer, Fire Station Sergeant, 2 Corporals and 2 Fire Crews . The Fire Crews operated on a Day-on/Day-off basis . And among the Station Sergeants that I remember are:- Paddy Power R.I.P., Alfie O’Donnell R.I.P., Bob McSweeney, R.I.P., Joey Kelly (04), Jack Whelan R.I.P.,(Who died tragically, as a result of a traffic accident in February 1996, while the Fire Crew were responding to a call-out. R.I.P. Jack ), and most recently Dan Whelan who Retired last year . There were also civilians employed as Turn-cocks in the Fire Station . And among those that I remember are . Jim Doyle, Joe Fahy R.I.P., and Leo Robottom. And I remember Jack Guidera R.I.P., working in the Pumping Station in Hare Park, and “The Battler” McDonald R.I.P., working in the Pumping Station in McDonagh .

The Transport Section were always very busy, but always very co- operative . The late “Tommy Carroll, R.I.P. , was always very helpful in this regard . I remember Paddy Nugent, R.I.P., Mick”The Gunner” Reilly” R.I.P., Pascal McBride, R.I.P., John (01) Murphy, John Ronan, Gerry Ryan, Pat “Seasca Do” Kelly, John Ronan, Peter Cliford. And among the vehicles that I remember are the Land Rover (SZO 233), and in which both Dan “Froggy” Sheridan and Jerry Ryan would have taught most of us how to drive in Hare Park, The “Mahari Jeep”, The Saloon, The Poclain Excavator, The J.C.B., The Volvo Trucks, and of course the Hino Tipper Truck, which I am sure would have a few interesting tales to tell.

On the sporting-front, Depot Engineers were always very prominent . In particular, The Volleyball Team, which won numerous Command and All-Army Titles. The Team members were;- Jack Whelan (49), R.I.P., Eamon Nolan, Christy Cronin, Luke Roberts (42), Deccie Garret, Eamon Melia, John Ronan, Andy O’Donnell, Dan “Froggy” Sheridan . The Team Manager and trainer was the late Colm Shiels , R.I.P. They were a great team, and always very difficult to beat . On the Soccer front we had some very good players down through the years who would have played with the Curragh Command Team, along and local Soccer Teams . Among those that I remember are ; Billy Bohan, Dec Ryan, R.I.P., Jack Connolly, Larry Ryan (81), Paddy Bergin, Colm Shiels, R.I.P. Eamon Nolan, John Cunneen, Jim Burke, Davy Power, R.I.P. and Murt O’Brien. A great supporter of the Team was the late R.Q.M.S. Tommy Carroll, R.I.P. , and he would always attend each game . On the Athletics front we had some great runners like Paddy Bergin, Paddy Farrell and Paddy Lawlor, who was also very good at Orienteering . On the Hurling front, one of the members of Depot COE Gary Laffan, was a member of the victorious Wexford Team which defeated Limerick in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final, and he scored 3 points in the game. I also remember taking part in a Soccer Match as a Member of the Over-35s Vs the Barrack A-Team in the early 1980’s . The game was played in McDermott Soccer Pitch. Some of the A- Team that I remember are:- Colm Sheils R.I.P., Paddy Bergin, Larry Ryan (81), Billy Bohan, Jack Connolly, John Cunneen, Tony Doyle, and Murt O’Brien . The Over-35s was a packed Team, and it featured such talented players as;- Christy Coady, Joe Boland, Mick Lennon (R.I.P), Mikey Roche R.I.P., Dec Houlihan, Frank Breen (40),Bunny Dowling R.I.P., Liam Archbold (R.I.P), Shay Walsh R.I.P., Joe Larkin, Johnny Hynes (R.I.P), Richie McGrath (R.I.P). And against all the odds,The Over-35s trounced the A-Team, with a score of something like 6 – Nil. And such was the skill, artistry and the quality of the Over-35s Team, none of their Subs were used by the Team Player- Manager – Bunny Dowling (R.I.P)

The Civilian Staff who I remember work in the Barracks are;- Paddy Daly (R.I.P), Reggie Warren, Peter Clifford (R.I.P), who were members of the Environmental Staff . And among the Ladies who were employed in the NCO’s Mess are Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs Butler, Mary Prendergast, and Lizzie Kelly and Pauline Mullins, who was employed in the Officers Mess.

On the social side,There was a Pitch-and-Putt Competition held every year at McDermott Pitch-and-Putt Club, which was situated beside the Fruit Farm. It was called “Brack Day”. And it was so called, as on the day of the Competition, Bracks would be made in the Curragh Bakery , and served with Tea on the Pitch-and-Putt Course. (Tea on the Tee) !! All the members of the Unit would take part and there would be both a Senior, Junior and Novice category . Larry Houlihan, Timmy Carroll (R.I.P., and Tom Byrne would have been the main organisers of the Competition, and all 3 were very good players It was always very enjoyable and keenly contested. There was always lots of Prizes on offer, and I remember one year my late Father – John Kelly, won the most coveted accolade of all - “ The Best Dressed Golfer”. And just recently, the members of the Fire Station, held the inaugural “Pascal McBride Memorial Trophy” Pitch-and-Putt Competition, commemorating the late Pascal McBride, R.I.P., who was a former member of the Fire Station, and who sadly passed away a few years ago . He was very popular, and he was a member of the McBride Family who lived in the Curragh Camp. The overall winner on the day was Ned Lacey , who was always a very good Player. So well done to the Members of the Fire Station past-and-present for organising and taking part in this event, which was enjoyed by all participants, and it proved to be very successful. And it is their intention to hold the Competition on an Annual basis . There was a Children’s Christmas Party held every year in the NCO’s Mess. I remember attending the Christmas Party myself in McDermott in 1961, and I joined the Defence Forces just 8 months later . And among the “Santa’s” that we had down through the years were Paddy”Thump” Dempsey, R.I.P., Shay Walsh, R.I.P., and Liam Archbold, R.I.P. They always put in a great effort . Santa would be brought in the Fire Engine, and escorted by a Tank. And members of the Army Band would lead him in to the NCO’s Mess. And among the Band members that I remember are;- Mick Healey, “Mouler” Murphy, and “Sos” O’Brien . I remember in one year in the early 1970’s there was upwards of 130 children in attendance, but Santa (Shay Walsh) R.I.P. still managed to have a Present for each of them. We would also have a Childrens Disco, and a Magician and Punch-And-Judy Show. There was also an Annual NCO’s Christmas Dinner . It was held in either the NCO’s Mess or in a local Hotel if there was a big number in attendance. The NCO’s Mess also organised an Annual Outing on a number of occasions and I remember one year, we went to Tramore Races one year . It was very well attended, and enjoyed by all. The NCO’s Mess had a couple of Quiz Teams , and they won the Command Quiz on a few of occasions They also took part in all the local Quiz Competitions . Among the Team members were Dec Houlihan, Liam Archbold, Paddy “The Mag” Donohue, Jim Burke, Eamon Nolan, , Shay Walsh, Joey Kelly (04), Brendan Delaney (42), Andy O’Donnell and Pat Lacey. But by far, the best all-round Team member was Paddy “The Mag” Donohue, R.I.P. He had a great in-depth knowledge generally , and was respected by all, and was always a great asset to the Team.

I served as a Committee Member of CAFNBO (The Defence Forces Life Insurance Scheme) for over 20 years. It was a great interest, and I really enjoyed it, and I would have worked with some really nice people there . I was a Member of the Board of Trustees , and also Vice Chairman of the Society on my Retirement. I was Posted on Detachment to Command Headquarters in July 1996, and I returned to the Depot Engineers in early 2002 for a short while. I Retired from the Defence Forces in September of that year, on completion of over 40 years Service . I took up Employment as a Civilian Clerk at the Main Transport Technical Stores in October 2002, and I Retired from there in October 2012, having completed 10 very happy years there. And in total, I would have served for just over 50 years with the Department of Defence .

All of the above, is an account and a light-hearted look from memory, of what I remember about my time with the Depot and School, Corps of Engineers, and I hope that there is something there that you remember and also that you enjoyed reading it . I would have made many friends there down- through-the-years . But it is especially sad that so many of our comrades and friends have sadly passed-away over the years. But it is nice to fondly remember them. And I am sure that there are lots of other things and events and past members of the Unit which I have inadvertently failed to mention. So apologies to all in this regard. And if anyone wishes to add anything of interest , please feel free to do so.

Thank you !

Mick Kelly 18

“ ESPRIT DE CORPS “