95th Anniversary of the takeover of Custume Barracks and Athlone Castle

A military ceremony and heritage event will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, February 28, 2017, to mark the 95th Anniversary of the takeover of Custume Barracks and Athlone Castle by Commandant General Séan MacEoin’s troops from British forces, on February 28, 1922. 

The Barrack Commander of Custume Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Whittaker, in conjunction with Athlone Municipal District, will mark the occasion.

A barrack ‘Open’ day will take place in Custume Barracks, from 11am until 5pm, with a series of events, including photographic displays, a number of historical talks, and a modern military display of current Defence Forces’ capabilities.

There will also be two guided walking tours, at 11am and 3pm, respectively. They will begin at Athlone Castle and proceed along a pre-designated route, ending in Custume Barracks at the Dining Centre, where Sliabh na mBán and a number of photographic military displays will be located.
A military parade will begin at 1.30pm at the Irish rail station. Troops stationed in Custume Barracks, accompanied by the Army band and local Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Groups, will march along the route taken by General MacEoin’s troops in 1922.

They will parade from the Irish Rail station, crossing the town bridge at 1.50pm, before proceeding to Custume Barracks. A Defence Forces flag raising ceremony will take place in Athlone Castle.