Adding insult to injury

The lowering of the flag at Dún Uí Néill barracks in Cavan town yesterday was a sad moment in the military history of the town - as history it is from today on. What's perhaps even more sad, however, is the fact the personnel stationed at the barracks, retired soldiers and their families, not to mention the people of Cavan town, were not afforded an official opportunity to say farewell to the soldiers and the barracks itself. Yes, there was a reunion for soldiers past and present and family members of deceased relatives last month. Yes the brigade staged its last march from the facility on St Patrick's Day when it participated in the Cavan parade and yes, the Department of Defence facilitated a flyover during the parade. But the people of Cavan and the military personnel themselves were deprived of an opportunity to mark the occasion yesterday (Tuesday) when operations officially wound down at the facility. It was the last snub of the Department of Defence and the government to the town following the decision to close the barracks. The tearful scenes outside the gates yesterday morning - as former members and the family of serving soldiers were refused entry to the flag lowering ceremony - were shameful. Requests by The Anglo-Celt through official channels to formally record the occasion, editorially, were declined. Though eventually a photographer was allowed in but not a reporter. By contrast, some 40 miles away in Mullingar today (Wednesday), there will be an all-singing, all-dancing departure of the troops there staged. It will span several hours and included elements such as a parade, an ecumenical service, a flag lowering ceremony and a parade through the town before travelling in convoy to their new base in Custume Barracks, Athlone. How come there is one rule for one barracks and a different one for another? It's nonsensical, not to mention downright inconsiderate where serving members, retired members and their family are concerned. To close the facility - that is purpose built and perhaps the most modern in the State located at a key point on the Border amid confusion about the real cost savings - is difficult enough. Yesterday's snub just added insult to injury.