Mullingar Barracks closure (28th March 2012) - Tony McAnaney, Chairman of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen)
Tony McAnaney is Chairman (previously Treasurer) of the Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, Mullingar branch for war veterans and is wearing his Chain-of-Office. The medal and chain appear to be gold plated but assured me it is not solid gold! Tony was elected as the new President and was due to formally take up his new role at the 2015 AGM but had passed away before then.
Sadly, Tony passed away after a short illness on February 19th 2015 and is survived by his wife Pauline, his son John and two daughters Sandra and Anna. Tony came from a family steeped in military tradition, for his father John and two brothers Martin and Paul also served in the Irish Defence Forces stationed at Mullingar Barracks. Tony had served overseas with UN peace-keeping missions (UNIFIL) in the Lebanon and was highly trained as a military signaller as well as being an instructor in signalling and communications. Tony also had a passionate interest in local and military history.
For over a year there was talk and speculation that Columb Barracks of Mullingar would be closed and all personnel plus equipment transferred to Custume Barracks in Athlone. Just a few months ago it was confirmed by the Government that four army barracks will close, including the one at Mullingar which has been here for nearly 200 years. The other three barracks to close are at Clonmel (27th March), Castlebar (18th March) and Cavan (closure date?), The 4th Field Artillery Regiment have been based at Columb Barracks in Mullingar since 1943. The military museum will also be moved to Athlone.
The barrack’s officer personnel and the remaining vehicles, guns, etc departed for a final parade through the town and finally at 12 noon the gates unceremoniously locked behind them. Hundreds of local people and school children let out for the occasion lined the streets. Everyone showed their appreciation with a generous round of applause as the final contingent left their barracks for the last time.
Most notable, was the absence of any official government representation, judging from the extent of comments heard today. Also, the question remains what is going to happen to the fine set of Georgian buildings and other architectural structures within the barracks. So far, the government have no ideas themselves.
www.independent.ie/national-news/no-regrets-for-penrose-a... (Alan Shatter, the Defence Minister reckons the closure of the four barracks will save around 5 million Euro a year but it is estimated that presence of Columb Barracks in the town contributes up to 10 million Euro per year to the local economy).
www.flickr.com/photos/23885771@N03/3390054472/ (Badge and some information about the Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen).
www.mullingarshowcase.com/#!-CONGRATULATIONS-TO-NEW-CHAIR... (Mr Tony McAnaney is the newly elected President of O.N.E. and will occupy this new post from 2015. He is succeeded by Mr Michael McDonnell who will take Tony's place as the new Chairman of O.N.E from the same date.)
Mullingar Barracks closure (28th March 2012) - Tony McAnaney, Chairman of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen)
Tony McAnaney is Chairman (previously Treasurer) of the Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, Mullingar branch for war veterans and is wearing his Chain-of-Office. The medal and chain appear to be gold plated but assured me it is not solid gold! Tony was elected as the new President and was due to formally take up his new role at the 2015 AGM but had passed away before then.
Sadly, Tony passed away after a short illness on February 19th 2015 and is survived by his wife Pauline, his son John and two daughters Sandra and Anna. Tony came from a family steeped in military tradition, for his father John and two brothers Martin and Paul also served in the Irish Defence Forces stationed at Mullingar Barracks. Tony had served overseas with UN peace-keeping missions (UNIFIL) in the Lebanon and was highly trained as a military signaller as well as being an instructor in signalling and communications. Tony also had a passionate interest in local and military history.
For over a year there was talk and speculation that Columb Barracks of Mullingar would be closed and all personnel plus equipment transferred to Custume Barracks in Athlone. Just a few months ago it was confirmed by the Government that four army barracks will close, including the one at Mullingar which has been here for nearly 200 years. The other three barracks to close are at Clonmel (27th March), Castlebar (18th March) and Cavan (closure date?), The 4th Field Artillery Regiment have been based at Columb Barracks in Mullingar since 1943. The military museum will also be moved to Athlone.
The barrack’s officer personnel and the remaining vehicles, guns, etc departed for a final parade through the town and finally at 12 noon the gates unceremoniously locked behind them. Hundreds of local people and school children let out for the occasion lined the streets. Everyone showed their appreciation with a generous round of applause as the final contingent left their barracks for the last time.
Most notable, was the absence of any official government representation, judging from the extent of comments heard today. Also, the question remains what is going to happen to the fine set of Georgian buildings and other architectural structures within the barracks. So far, the government have no ideas themselves.
www.independent.ie/national-news/no-regrets-for-penrose-a... (Alan Shatter, the Defence Minister reckons the closure of the four barracks will save around 5 million Euro a year but it is estimated that presence of Columb Barracks in the town contributes up to 10 million Euro per year to the local economy).
www.flickr.com/photos/23885771@N03/3390054472/ (Badge and some information about the Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen).
www.mullingarshowcase.com/#!-CONGRATULATIONS-TO-NEW-CHAIR... (Mr Tony McAnaney is the newly elected President of O.N.E. and will occupy this new post from 2015. He is succeeded by Mr Michael McDonnell who will take Tony's place as the new Chairman of O.N.E from the same date.)