Soldiers of the 100th Infantry Battalion line up in practice for last Thursday’s parade around Eyre Square. Note the chalk mark indicating where the end soldier (closest to camera) should stand.
As I was hurrying up to the train station in Eyre Square on Thursday morning, I came upon groups of Irish Military Police, blocking off the road between Merchants Road and the Square. When I enquired on what was going on, one of the policemen told me that there was going to be a military parade in the afternoon in Eyre Square. I said to him that it was a pity that it was on later, since I would miss it. No problem, he replied, they are all in the Square practicing right now.
It was a few minutes after 7am, and my train left at 7.15. I legged it up to the top of the Square and clicked off a few shots. I knew it was time to go when I saw a lady who is also a regular commuter rush past me towards the station – she always leaves it to the last second to board the train – so I had to run.
The reason for the display [and the practicing beforehand] was because the Western Command will depart for peacekeepng duty in Chad. The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad is a dangerous mission – Finland are currently considering withdrawing their troops, and not just if you play football.
There are 420 troops going out to Chad in all. Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea addressed them this afternoon :-
Today’s review marks a number of important milestones. It is taking place here in the centre of the historic and beautiful city of Galway which is the most appropriate venue given that the Western Brigade is the lead Brigade for this tour of duty. It is a review of the 100th Infantry Battalion to depart for service overseas. The lead unit is the Irish speaking battalion, an Chéad Cathán (1stInfantry Battalion) and, most importantly for me, it marks the appointment of the first female Deputy Commander of an overseas unit: Comdt Maureen O’Brien.
More pictures of the practice here.
I see the blog is stretching these images again.
Anyhow, I was actually stuck at the bottom of Eyre Square, at Victoria Place when you were snapping away. I’d also been stopped by Gardai coming onto the docks…
Fun when you’ve only got access to a location from 7am to 9am!