Save Kickham Barracks Historical Monuments

southernyell

Currently we are in the process of organising a campaign to save the monuments in Kickham Barracks Clonmel in order to preserve them for the people of Ireland, please check out our website and go to the page Kickham Barracks Monuments where you can view an Information pack about them and contact details for local authorities,TD's etc for you to voice your concern.We really need your help on this one.
http://www.stmhs.ie/

Clonmel had been a garrison town for British troops since its surrender to Cromwell in 1650, but a permanent military barracks was not built in the town until 1780. The reason behind its construction was what seemed to be a threat of rebellion from the growing Irish Volunteer movement. In 1805 the garrison was extended with the erection of an artillery barracks, built in anticipation of an invasion by Napoleon and the 1870s saw an enlargement of the existing quarters.
World War I & the War of Independence

Victoria Barracks, named in honour of the Queen's coronation in 1837, became the regimental depot for the Royal Irish Regiment in 1882. It was at the Barracks that soldiers from the southeast were trained prior to World War I, and the town of Clonmel lost 50 of its natives from the headquarters during the struggle. During the War of Independence Clonmel was garrisoned by the Devonshire Regiment and from mid-1921, the Yorkshire & Lancashire Regiment. In February 1922 the Barracks was taken over by Commandant Dalton, commander of 5th Battalion of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade of the IRA.
The Barracks was renovated in 1945, and it now houses members of the 12th Infantry Battalion.

Monuments in Kickham Barracks

The Garrison Church was built in 1856. As well as providing for the spiritual needs of the garrison it also doubled as a school during the week. The soldiers' children were taught here as well as any Boy soldiers in the garrison. Most of the churches that stand in barracks in Ireland appear to have been built about this time since they are carbon copies of each other. They vary only in size depending on the size of the garrison. In the 1930s and 40s the church building in Clonmel was used by Slaters Printers. In 1956 it was re-acquired by the military and re-consecrated as a church for the Clonmel Garrison on 8th November 1956. The Stained Glass window in the church is notable, recalling both the 13th Battalion's time in the barracks after the Emergency until October 1959 and also the Confederate Wars and the Siege of Clonmel.


The memorial plaque to CS Felix Grant, the first soldier of the Irish Army to die on overseas service. The plaque was erected in 1990 and placed on the wall of the Garrison Church by the entrance door.
The Afghanistan & Egypt Cross
Erected about 1890 to commemorate 77 men of the Royal Irish Regiment who died during the Second Afghan War, the Campaign in Egypt in 1882 and the 1884-85 Nile Expedition.


The monument is of Red Granite and stands almost 8 ft tall. It's design is based on a Celtic Cross in Co. Sligo
Boer War Monument
Erected in 1908 and unveiled by the Marquess of Ormond on October 5th that year. The monument was designed by Richard Orpen, elder brother of war artist William Orpen, and built by Harrisons of Dublin. It is made from limestone quarried in Stradbally, Co. Laois and stands 15 feet high. It commemorates 110 Officers and men of the Royal Irish Regt who were killed in action, died of wounds or of disease during the Boer War.
The Bronze angel on the front panel and the ornate bronze decoration around the top were modelled and cast by Dorothy Elvery of Dublin. The three corners are topped by elliptical bronze plates depicting emblems of the Royal Irish- the Crowned Harp (Cap Badge), the Lion of Nassau, Right (Collar Badge and Battle Honour) and the Egyptian Sphinx (Battle Honour earned in Egypt 1803)
The north-east panel shows the names of those KIA or DOW. The most notable name on this panel is that of Pte John Barry from Kilkenny who won a Victoria Cross at Monument Hill, Belfast, South Africa on the night of January 7th 1901.

The decision on the barracks has been made.As much as I and other's would like to see it stay open,it wont.The decision maker's ,who at the stroke of a pen can change people's lives,dont care

later12

What's happening to the contents, Chackra?

Monuments like the Boer War Monument are particularly important historical relics (as well as serving their role in honouring the Irishmen involved, or those who were at least attached to the Royal Irish Regiment).

Will they be on display elsewhere?

It's a genuinely sad ending for the long history of the barracks that it will not remain in the public interest, after hundreds of years of service to the area.

I really dont know what will happen to the contents.As for the building,it was said they were trying to get the County Council to buy it,but that may just be talk.Today I was told,it was mentioned on the local radio,that the army were in talks about a possible sale,and it would be known shortly what was to happen.I just hope they dont leave it to become an expensive drinking place for every Tom,Dick and Harry.It really is a pity to see it close.

later12

Deleted User wrote: »

I really dont know what will happen to the contents.As for the building,it was said they were trying to get the County Council to buy it,but that may just be talk.

Yes, the Department of Defence asked the council if they'd be interested in purchasing it at market value, but realistically there's no way any council could afford such an expense (it would run into millions).

I expect that suggestion may have been a political move on behalf of the Minister, who must have known that the appeals to save Kickham Barracks would then be deflected toward the council. Or maybe I'm just cynical.

I can understand the need to scale back the barracks, but I really hope these monuments and historical relics get to remain on public display; preferably in Tipperary with its long association with the Royal Irish Regiment and with Irish military history.

Fionn

i bet theres a few 'scrap merchants' would like that bronze!!!

knowing our political elite and their masters in Europe - they dont give a toss about monuments, or buildings or indeed people's lives it's just all about money apparently!!!

As far as any organisation buying the barracks! i'd imagine it'd be very difficult to justify at this point in time.

bobster453

In the library in Clonmel yeterday I noticed a poster for the Military History Society, they have a lecture on tonight at the Railway Station at 8pm IUNVA House, all about the Royal Irish Regiment..
Might toddle along..could be good