Irish Independent

Irish Independent 17th May, 1922 IRISH TROOPS TAKE OVER CURRAGH CAMP LARGEST CAMP OCCUPIED __________ TRICOLOUR HOISTED __________ YESTERDAY'S HISTORIC SCENES __________ BRITISH SOLDIERS LEAVE The Curragh Camp, the greatest British military station in Ireland, was taken over by Irish troops yesterday morning. British troops marched out of the camp for the last time, whilst the soldiers of Dail Eireann, under Lieut-Gen O'Connell, mounted guard and saluted the Tricolour, which replaced the British flag. There was little ceremonial, and the great depot, which is to used as a training school for the Irish Army, is now occupied by a large garrison. THE GREATEST DEPOT The Curragh embraces about 5,000 acres of what was know as Crown lands. It had always been the greatest military depot in Ireland, and one of the finest training grounds in the three countries. It is ready for immediate use. There are several rifle ranges, machine gun ranges, bombing quarters, etc. Here and there the strongly fortified redoubts constructed during the hostilities are in evidence. Normally there is adequate accommodation for about 20,000 men, but in the summer months, when the troops are under canvas, there would be accommodation for 100,000.