Soldiers had to scrounge uniforms for state funeral

Soldiers attending the state funeral of former taoiseach Albert Reynolds had to scrounge clothing from fellow troops because many of them did not have full ceremonial uniforms required for such occasions.

According to members of PDForra, the organisation which represents the rank-and-file members of the Defence Forces, getting replacement uniforms was becoming increasingly difficult, especially as the clothing stores barracks used to have, had been centralised to one depot in Dublin.

Troops from Athlone were informed at short notice that 30 of them were needed to attend the funeral.