County Kildare and Wicklow: The Curragh and Coolmoney Camp
The Curragh Camp was handed over on 16th May 1922. The troops responsible for taking over the camp were under the command of Lieutenant General JJ ‘Ginger’ O’Connell.
At 12 o’clock that day, O’Connell climbed the water tower in the Curragh and raised the tricolour there for the first time. As the departing British had cut down the flag pole, two officers supported it while the flag was hoisted. The event is documented in a well-known photograph. ‘Ginger’ served as General Officer Commanding the Curragh Camp during the Civil War. The Curragh is presently the home of the Defence Forces Training Centre.
Coolmoney Camp, County Wicklow, was handed over on 21st February 1922. The Camp, located beside the Glen of Imaal artillery range, within easy access of the Wicklow Mountains, and less than 40 minutes’ drive from the Curragh, remains an important centre for Defence Forces training, with virtually every member of the Army passing through at some stage of their career.
A group of Free State Officers salute the Irish Flag after being hoisted on the Water Tower, Curragh Camp
A Company of Free State soldiers passing through The Curragh on their way to the camp after the taking-over ceremony, May 1922
The Taking-Over of The Curragh Camp by Col. O'Connell (on left), May 16, 1922
Col. O'Connell hoists the Irish Flag on the Water Tower of The Curragh Camp, after the taking-over ceremony, May 16, 1922
