Centuries of military presence over

At precisely 2.30pm yesterday, the national flag was lowered for the last time at Kickham Barracks in Clonmel, bringing a symbolic end to a military presence in the area which stretched back to the heyday of Oliver Cromwell.

The hundreds gathered inside the grounds of the barracks were joined by thousands more on the streets who broke into spontaneous applause as the flag was handed over to Commandant Robert Kiely, the last Officer Commanding to lead the troops in the town, before Amhrán na bhFiann sounded across the barracks square.

Earlier, huge crowds came out in the sun to line the town centre and witness the final parade in Clonmel by the 12th Infantry Battalion. The occasion was described as “a sad day” but one which was in the offing once the Government decided in November to close Kickham Barracks, along with its counterparts in Cavan, Mullingar and Athlone.

Young and old joined with family members of the serving troops along with clergy, politicians and others as the battalion members were led through the streets of the town by the band of the 1st Southern Brigade.

“There was a lump in the throat as we went through the South Gate and the reception we got from the local people was fabulous,” said Sergeant TJ Ryan, who served for 24 years in Clonmel.

Former Tipperary footballer Lieutenant Alan Rockett said the ceremony surpassed anything the soldiers expected.

Most of the troops based up to now in Clonmel have been moved to Limerick or Kilkenny, while some are currently serving overseas on UN peacekeeping duty.

The barracks’ OC, Cmdt Robert Kiely, who headed the troops on their symbolic march through Clonmel, said it was “an emotional day” for the soldiers and their families. “It’s the end of an era,” he said, pointing out that the current barracks was built 232 years ago. There has been an army presence in Clonmel since 1650.

The decision to close the barracks was fought by local TDs and councillors as well as a committee made up of wives and partners who travelled to Leinster House on four occasions to argue their case.

“We fought the good fight, but to no avail,” said Eleanor Prout, whose husband served in Kickham Barracks.