It was a poignant moment yesterday for the inhabitants of two Cork towns, Fermoy and Ballincollig, as the regiment left their barracks under the Army rationalisation programme, to take up residence at Collins Barracks in Cork.
There were some tears, some recriminations, but the great military tradition in both towns going back 200 years when the British army built the original military establishments was passing away. Soldiers had tears in their eyes. People lined the streets as both towns turned out in numbers. There was pride and sadness. And anger, too, at the departure of such a living link with a great military tradition. However, there were no protests.
The National Army Spouses Association called it a betrayal by the Government, although the association fell short of raising placards. It wanted to see the soldiers leave with dignity. And they did. These were two impressive ceremonies performed with military precision. The people of Fermoy and Ballincollig poured into the barracks, all wanting to be part of something special, the end of an era.
In Fermoy the town gathered en masse to witness the march-out parade from Fitzgerald Barracks, while the people of Ballincollig brought their town to a standstill as the troops left with a final flourish and a fanfare. Lining the streets, schoolchildren, Army wives and general onlookers gave them much more than a standing ovation as they departed Murphy Barracks for the last time.
In each barracks the departure ceremonies were impressive, but brief. And then the soldiers from Fermoy and Ballincollig gathered at the Old Youghal Road in Cork, adjacent to Collins Barracks, where they will now be stationed, to march into their new residence.
At both Fitzgerald and Murphy barracks in Ballincollig, the Last Post was sounded and there was a formal lowering of the national flag. The general officer commanding the Southern Command, Brig Gen David Taylor, did the honours at all three barracks yesterday, as the troops filed away to a new life in the city centre.
He said that after almost 200 years the connection between the civilian population and the military in Fermoy had been cut. It was the end of an era for the Defence Forces in both towns and everyone was saddened by the passing of the military tradition.
"There has been evident much pride in the service given by the soldiers of both camps, and today's dignified departure is a tribute to all these and their families who have served here, particularly so to all the troopers who over the last 40 years have served with such distinction on overseas service.
"Ireland's participation in peacekeeping operations has presented a positive image of Ireland and its Defence Forces here at home in Ireland, internationally, and especially amongst all sides in the many mission areas. Unfortunately, this service has not been without cost. To date, over 76 members of the Defence Forces have given their lives in the cause of world peace."
Brig Gen Taylor asked both towns to acknowledge the Defence Forces' commitment to local societies by considering the erection of fitting and permanent tributes, reminding future townspeople of the extent of the military involvement in their lives and the role played by soldiers abroad who came from both localities.
In Fermoy and Ballincollig there was a carnival atmosphere as the troops departed, leaving behind much nostalgia and a sense that something has changed. The two Cork barracks were the first of six that will be closed throughout the Republic during the coming weeks.