irishrepublicanarmy

Thanks for the picture. I was under the impression it was destroyed to the ground as a result of the blast. Here I can see that the pillar remained (without Nelson though). When did they knock it down altogether? Was it a matter of days or years?

eyair It was knocked within weeks when the military carried out a "controlled" explosion on the base. It caused much grief for the army as there was more damage done to local glass and business than in the original "uncontrolled" explosion. In reality the task of blowing up the base was much greater than that of the pillar, all they needed to do was damage the tube of the pillar and gravity would do the rest.

Crazy ... why didn't they just repair it.... great archival photo!!!

Angela Orlando Think 1966 the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising and the optics of re-erecting a symbol of British Imperialism. Also a sneaking good will towards those who had done the deed by many of those in power. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, see what the "lads" have done haha!!!

awesome

There's an interesting mix of uniforms & civilian clothes in this picture. The date of the picture would suggest that this might have been part of the Battle of Kilmallock.

possibly not "Red Cross" as one of them is definitely in military uniform - first sighting (!) of army medical corps ...

A Google image search finds a version in the University College Dublin, Desmond Fitzgerald photographs, with this blurb - " Photograph by W.D. Hogan of three Irish Free State Army soldiers, two members of a medical corps, tending the leg of a wounded man; one soldier is supporting the man's head; the wounded man is dressed in civilian clothes but is possibly wearing a gun belt. " www.europeana.eu/en/item/2064501/https___data_ucd_ie_data...

25 July 1922 was a Tuesday. On the previous Tuesday, 18 July, Mr Hogan was in Dublin with a makeshift ambulance -

This was taken on the same day (25 July) - it might provide more clues - catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000194509

at first glance it could be mistaken for an alpine hunting party. they seem not to be dressed to rough it as a flying column, so it would have been a prepared photocall?

May be a red herring, but a Capt. McGrath was appointed Quartermaster to the 55th Infantry Battalion in a list issued in March 1923 (Freeman's Journal). Would he have been based at the Prison Garrison in Waterford? Bit of a stretch?

Foxglove Was just reading recently that the shirt, collar, and tie (though not everyone here has one on) were to denote respectability. Also learned the Irish for Flying Column is Colún Reatha (running column) which I think is lovely.

Foxglove yes that was my thought.

Wonder was Mr.Poole blindfolded on his way to take it ? Lots of "photoshopping" on the background...... I have a similar posed photograph from Castlecomer.