It was truly an Easter Monday to remember at Rockhill House as some 230 current and retired members of the Irish Defence Forces gathered at their former garrison to enjoy a first glimpse of its revival – and to recall and celebrate times gone by.
The day was coordinated by Irish Army Col. Declan O’Carroll (Rtd), and organised by owners, the Molloy family, in recognition of the proud military history of Rockhill.
The Molloys were keen that the soldiers who served here should be the first to see how their former base is being transformed.
Renovation of the property to its former Georgian glory is now close to completion and Rockhill House is scheduled to open this June as an exclusive wedding venue.
Events commenced at 10.30am with Mass celebrated in the new Orangerie by Army Chaplain Father Alan Ward CF. Fr Ward had traveled from Finner Camp as part of a significant delegation of serving Army staff in attendance at the event.
Rockhill House in its prime
There was sacred music by young Manorcunningham singer, Amy Meehan, who was joined on the recessional hymn, How Great Thou Art, by a rousing throng of male voices from the congregation. This was followed by a refrain played by two Army pipers dressed in full Irish Defence Forces Pipe Band regalia.
Commandant John Martin of the 28th Batallion then made an address that paid tribute to the camaraderie of the soldiers and former soldiers who endured the best and worst of times together in Letterkenny; and that praised the vision, courage and work of the Molloy family in bringing life back to a place that was on its way down.
He said “It gives me great pleasure to be here as acting OC, 28th battalion, to say a few words. I think we’re beginning to get a measure of the affection that we have as old soldiers, and maybe moderately young soldiers, for this particular location – and the relief that we all feel that it is being put to good use and that it is not being allowed to fall apart. That is something that we’re really pleased about and your presence here is a vote of confidence in the work that is being carried out.
“I had the great privilege of being the officer who led ‘B’ Company out of Rockhill – a bittersweet thing to do on a sad day for us as soldiers. But enough of looking back. All the memories are there. I remember leaving here many times with a smile on my face, having listened the jokes and quips that I’d heard during my days.”
He continued: “I came late in comparison to many of you – and what happened here, down through the years for you who served here: the long hours, the unpredictability, the difficult circumstances and poor conditions – all were endured with good humour; with positive attitude; and with loyalty towards the organisations, the unit and each other. The comradeship and teamwork that existed is something we should not forget. Those are very important qualities and I pay tribute to you as soldiers and former soldiers of the 28th battalion, the 24th battalion, the 50th battalion and other units that are here today.
“We now get to look forward, and we look forward in three ways: The first way I look forward is looking at all of those guys who are retired. I’m very pleased to see you all looking so well and very happy to see you again.
“Secondly, we look forward because the 28th Battalion is now a strong unit of seven companies, both reserve and regular, and we are working towards fulfilling the objectives and tasks that fall to us. The unit is in a good location, we’re doing well, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our new commanding officer in a few weeks time.
“Lastly, I’d like to look forward, if I can, for Rockhill House – and to pay tribute to John Molloy for the vision, the courage, the determination and energy that have gone into changing a location that was on the way down into one that is on the way up.
“Rockhill is now a going concern, beautifully restored and beautifully brought back to life in a manner that will enhance not just Letterkenny, but also the entire North West of this country. That is a significant achievement; we are delighted that you have done it; and we pay tribute to you for doing it.
He concluded: “From our point of view, as I said, we are beginning to realise the affection that we have for this place, and our relief and gratitude for what you have done. I would say to you, out of all these people present, that you have gained a friend in the 28th Infantry Batallion, and all of our associated organisations. That friendship, once bestowed, is steadfast. So we wish you very well for the future, for what comes here at Rockhill.”
Following Commandant Martin’s speech, there were words of thanks from Rockhill General Manager Donal Cox before group photographs were taken and refreshments served.
Commenting on the day’s events, General Manager Donal Cox said: “I would say that the great depth of love that exists for Rockhill was very evident today. From early morning we all knew that a special day was in store as the regiments of soldiers began to arrive. I would extend warm thanks to Father Alan and the Army in assisting to make the day possible. The first of many reunions at Rockhill.”
The day finished with tours of the house – former soldiers spoke of what each room had been in its former incarnation and enjoyed seeing how each has been transformed.
Many swapped tales of how day-to-day life was in the garrison – the boxes of just-churned real butter and churns of fresh milk for the tea; the treat of thick jam sandwiches; the tricks with the light switches to make a gullible comrade think the ghost of the Blue Lady was on the prowl; the tours to Lebanon and beyond; and the night-time Troubles-era searches for a simple way home along the winding Border.
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