“Connolly Barracks is closed but the 4 Cavalry Squadron lives on within the walls of Custume Barracks. Carpe Diem.”
So said Commandant Tom McGrath as 300 troops from the 6 Infantry Batallion in Athlone formally welcomed the 130 strong 4th Cavalry Squad yesterday in a historic move.
Commandant McGrath and his force will now take up residence at Teach Seán Uí Chonghaile in Custume Barracks.
Shortly before 3pm yesterday (Thursday ) the convoy of vehicles from Connolly Barracks, Longford arrived in Athlone. The soldiers dismounted and fell in on parade for an official inspection. Commandant McGrath and Lieutenant Colonel Joe Scanlon, Commanding Officer at Custume Barracks were led to the parade ground by the Brigade Pipe Band playing ‘The Minstrel Boy.’
Lieutenant Colonel Scanlon welcomed the troops, saying it was a great honour to welcome them. “We look forward to you integrating and working in the Barracks here with us.”
He appreciated that the day was one of mixed emotions.
“Firstly you left Longford and Connolly Barracks today after 37 years association with that town and area. You leave behind a distinguished history.”
He acknowledged that all units affected by the move “will take some time to adjust to each other’s traditions and mannerisms.”
Commandant Tom McGrath, Commanding Officer of the Longford troops thanked his hosts for the “warm, respectful, and professional” welcome.
He said the 4 Cavalry Squadron would “contribute to life within this historic Barracks and continue its contribution to the 4 Western Brigade band the Defence Forces with professionalism, pride and a ‘can-do attitude’ with a ‘cowboy flair’ on call whenever required.
Commandant McGrath also recognised the “understanding, assistance, and professionalism” shown by all at Custume Barracks during the relocation.
There were tears and huge sadness in Longford as the troops departed. The Brigade Band played ‘The Last Post’ as the flag was lowered for the last time and the cavalry members began their journey to their new home in Westmeath.
After Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Colm O’Reilly, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise in St Mel’s Cathedral; former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds said he was very sad to see the move and that he believed there was never a right time to make it.
While it’s understood that none of the soldiers have sold houses in Longford to move to Athlone, there is still concern in the town that the move will have a devastating effect on the local economy.
As one Longford local said, “Longford’s loss is Athlone’s gain”.
