Were you out? I done my bit so I did ---
Upon seeing the
thousands that assembled in February 1922 to attend this I.R.A.
review, Martin O'Neill (Scorcher) commented, "the membership of the
Irish Republican Army has increased two hundred-fold since the
British soldiers left", and indeed it had.
In the following
decades "membership" of the Old I.R. A. (as the organisation became
known) would continue to increase.
It has been said
that in 1966 when commemorating the 1916 Rising , therewas such a
large turnout of the "survivors" of the General Post Office Garrison
from 50 years before, that one wag remarked "the G.P.O. survivors is
it! bejapers to hold that crowd it's Croke Park you'd want". The
Review reported here was to be the last time the former comrades
assembled in such large numbers in harmony and friendship.
In the months following this Review the "Spilt" occurred and many of
the volunteers faced and shot at each other during the War of
Brothers. (28th June1922 -----24th April 1923).
Nationalist 18th
Feb. 1922.
Review of
Volunteers.
CARLOW BRIGADE AREA.
On Sunday in
glorious weather the above took place at the Polo Grounds, Browne's
Hill, Carlow.
From about 10.30 the
various contingents poured into the town from all parts of the
Brigade Area in Wicklow, Carlow, Laois and Kildare accompanied by
several bands.
A special train was
run from Borris, which conveyed Volunteers from the southern
portions of the county.
It was the first
Sunday train run on this line for a very considerable time.
The scene at
Browne's Hill was a memorable one. Thousands of spectators who had
travelled by motors, bicycles etc, from all parts of the adjoining
counties witnessed the review.
The various
battalions were formed up in several lines reaching the full length
of the field.
They presented a
very smart military appearance which reflected the greatest credit
on the various commandants.
About 3.30 the lines
were inspected, and afterwards to the strains of the Carlow Fianna
Pipers, followed by the Boy Scouts, the several contingents reformed
and marched into the town.
Notwithstanding the
huge gathering, which was undoubtedly the largest ever seen in
Carlow, the utmost order prevailed, owing to the excellent
arrangements which were carried out by the Irish Republican Police.
The companies were
dismissed by their officers at various points in the town.
The following bands
were present; --Graiguecullen Flute and Drum Band, Carlow Fianna
Pipers, Rathvilly Pipers and Clashganny Pipers.
The above is a true and
accurate transcript of the original document.
- Transcribed by M. Purcell c2010.
- Old newspapers in the PPP.