The
Army Reserve , is the reserve force of the
Irish ArmyThe Irish Army is the main branch of the Irish Defence Forces . It was first formed in 1922 after the implementation of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the subsequent foundation of the Irish Free State...
. It is a part-time, fully voluntary organisation, and is one of two elements of the
Reserve Defence ForcesThe Reserve Defence Forces is the title given to the reserve components of the Irish Defence Forces. It comprises the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve ....
of the
Defence ForcesThe Irish Defence Forces encompass the army, navy, air corps and reserve forces of Ireland. Their official title in Irish is Óglaigh na hÉireann; another more literal translation, attested in Irish-language literature, is Fórsaí Cosanta na hÉireann...
of
IrelandIreland is a country in north-western Europe. The modern sovereign state occupies about five-sixths of the island of Ireland, which was partitioned on 3 May 1921. It is a parliamentary democracy and a republic...
, the other element being the
Naval Service ReserveThe Naval Service Reserve is the reserve force of the Irish Naval Service. It is one of two elements of the Reserve Defence Forces of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the other element being the Army Reserve...
. It was established in October 2005 to replace and reorganise the previous army reserve organisation, the
Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (abbreviated
FCÁ; ).
History
The Army Reserve was established on 1 October, 2005 as part of a wider restructure of the Defence Forces. This reorganisation saw the creation of an overriding
Reserve Defence ForcesThe Reserve Defence Forces is the title given to the reserve components of the Irish Defence Forces. It comprises the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve ....
structure which spans both the Army and
Naval Service ReserveThe Naval Service Reserve is the reserve force of the Irish Naval Service. It is one of two elements of the Reserve Defence Forces of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the other element being the Army Reserve...
.
Prior to the 2005 restructure, the reserve forces of the Irish Army were known as the "FCÁ", or
an Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, which in turn has its origins in the
reservistA reservist is a person who is a member of a reserve military force. They are otherwise civilians, and in peacetime have careers outside the military. Reservists usually go for training on an annual basis to refresh their skills. This person is usually a former active-duty member of the armed...
forces which were formed after the
Irish Civil WarThe Irish Civil War was a conflict that accompanied the establishment of the Irish Free State as an entity independent from the United Kingdom within the British Empire....
, and during
The Emergency, in response to the various threats to security posed.
Early reserve/volunteer forces
In the years following the
Irish Civil WarThe Irish Civil War was a conflict that accompanied the establishment of the Irish Free State as an entity independent from the United Kingdom within the British Empire....
, various classes of army reserves were experimented with. Between 1927 and 1939, these comprised several reserve classes.
Classes
In May 1927, the "
Class A Reserve" was established and consisted of regular
non-commissioned officerNon-commissioned officer , abbreviated to NCO or Non-com , is a term in many armed forces indicating leadership ranks less senior than commissioned officers...
s and men transferred to the Reserve. Though numbers never exceeded 5,000, they were the best trained of the reserves, with over 80% reporting annually for training.
In January 1928, the "
Class B Reserve" was formed, with the object of building up the infantry arm of the Defence Forces - on a voluntary basis. Its conditions of service were three months' initial training, followed by one month's annual training with liability for six years Reserve service. It was not a success however, never exceeding 3,600 in strength, and had practically ceased to exist by 1934.
The "
Volunteer Reserve Force" was established in Autumn 1929. No initial training was required - instead members attended parade once weekly, with four weekend camps per year along with fifteen days annual training. It was divided into three units, one Battalion in
DublinDublin is the largest city and capital of Ireland. It is officially known in Irish as Baile Átha Cliath or Áth Cliath ; the English name comes from the Irish Dubh Linn meaning "black pool". It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the...
, an Artillery Battery in
CorkCork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster...
and an Officer Training corps in universities. A total of 1,229 enlisted in the Officer Training College (OTC) while 987 enlisted in the other two units. The units were disbanded in 1935.
The "
Volunteer Force" was established in March 1934. Apart from basic military requirements there was a political consideration in its formation.
Fianna FáilFianna Fáil – The Republican Party , shortened to Fianna Fáil is a political party in the Republic of Ireland. It is the largest party in both houses of the Oireachtas, Ireland's bicameral parliament, and the leading party in a coalition government with the Green Party, which also has the support...
, who had assumed power in 1932, were anxious that the army should be more representative of the different political persuasions in the country. Since 1924, the army had been composed of pro-
TreatyThe Anglo-Irish Treaty , officially called the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a treaty between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and representatives of the de facto Irish Republic that concluded the Irish War of Independence...
supporters. It was hoped that this new force would attract men who would be considered anti-Treaty in outlook. To this end a number of men who had prominent anti-Treaty records in the
Civil WarThe Irish Civil War was a conflict that accompanied the establishment of the Irish Free State as an entity independent from the United Kingdom within the British Empire....
were commissioned at the initial stages as Administrative Officers.
On 6 November, 1935 the "
Pearse Regiment" was added. Named for Pádraig Pearse, this force consisted of three lines of Reserve with varying conditions of service. Those of the first line had to undergo initial training along with a commitment to thirty days annual training, and reached a maximum strength of 10,578 by April 1935. On 1 September 1939 the strength was 257 officers and 6,986 other ranks. The second line consisted of personnel who had been trained in the first line and had been transferred. The third line was intended to be a reserve of specialists in civilian life who would be of value to the army upon mobilisation.
Organisation
The Volunteer Force was the first scheme to make provision for recruitment into all Arms of the Service. It also provided for the special training of
non-commissioned officerNon-commissioned officer , abbreviated to NCO or Non-com , is a term in many armed forces indicating leadership ranks less senior than commissioned officers...
s and the training of NCOs for commissions. The inclusion of civilian committees (known as ) to help recruiting and administration at a local level was a feature of the Force. The however gradually disappeared and were replaced by committees composed solely of Volunteers. The Volunteers had a distinctive uniform, darker than the ordinary uniform, with black boots, leggings, belts, chromium buttons and badges and forage caps.
Territorially these early volunteer/reserve forces were divided into regimental areas, which took their names from the ancient Irish kingdoms where they were raised:-
- The Regiment of Oriel
Airgíalla was the name of an Irish federation and Irish kingdom which first formed around the 7th century.The historical region spanned the provinces of Leinster and Ulster equating with modern day Louth, and Monaghan.In early manuscripts the Bishop of...
- Counties LouthCounty Louth is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the village of Louth....
, MeathCounty Meath is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the historic kingdom and province of Mide....
and MonaghanCounty Monaghan is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Ulster and is part of the Republic of Ireland. It was named after the town of Monaghan ....
.
- The Regiment of Leinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland. It lies in the east of Ireland and comprises the counties of Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow. Leinster has the largest population of the four provinces of Ireland...
- Counties KildareCounty Kildare is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Leinster and was named after the town of Kildare . Kildare is the 25th largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and ninth largest in terms of population...
, West WicklowCounty Wicklow is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the town of Wicklow ....
, WexfordCounty Wexford is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the town of Wexford . In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnsealaig, whose capital was at Ferns...
and CarlowCounty Carlow is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the town of Carlow . It has an overall population of 50,349, as of April 2006...
.
- The Regiment of Dublin
County Dublin , or more correctly today the Dublin Region , is the area that contains the city of Dublin, the capital of Ireland as well as the largest city on the island of Ireland; and the modern counties of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin. The Dublin Regional Authority is the...
- County and Borough of DublinDublin is the largest city and capital of Ireland. It is officially known in Irish as Baile Átha Cliath or Áth Cliath ; the English name comes from the Irish Dubh Linn meaning "black pool". It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the...
and East WicklowCounty Wicklow is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the town of Wicklow ....
.
- The Regiment of Ormond
-Places:* Ormond , an ancient kingdom in the Province of Munster* Ormond Beach, Florida, a city in Florida* Ormond-By-The-Sea, Florida, a city in Florida** Ormond Beach Middle School, a middle school located in the city of Ormond Beach...
, renamed OssoryThe Irish geographical name Ossory can refer to:* Kingdom of Osraige* Roman Catholic Diocese of Ossory* Church of Ireland diocese of the Bishop of Ossory* A prophet of the Omnian religion in Terry Pratchett's Discworld...
in 1935. Counties KilkennyCounty Kilkenny is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the town of Kilkenny and has a population of 87,558....
, WaterfordCounty Waterford is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Munster. It was named after the city of Waterford ....
and TipperaryCounty Tipperary is one of the traditional Counties of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster. It was named after the town of Tipperary .Tipperary is the sixth largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and 11th largest in terms of population...
.
- The Regiment of Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
- Counties LimerickCounty Limerick is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Munster. It was named after the city of Limerick ....
and ClareCounty Clare commonly referred to as simply Clare, is a county of Ireland and part of the wider province of Munster. Clare is one of the 26 counties within the Republic of Ireland and it provides a basis for local government, in the form of its own constituency within the Dáil Éireann...
.
- The Regiment of Connacht
Connacht , formerly Anglicised as Connaught, is the western province of Ireland, comprising counties Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo. Its main urban centres are Galway in the south, and Sligo in the north...
- Counties GalwayCounty Galway is one of the traditional Counties of Ireland. It is located in the province of Connacht. It was named after the city of Galway...
, MayoCounty Mayo is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Connacht. It was named after the village of Mayo . Mayo is the secondlargest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and 15th largest in terms of population...
and RoscommonCounty Roscommon is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Connacht. It was named after the town of Roscommon. The county covers an area of ....
.
- The Regiment of Breffni - Counties Cavan
County Cavan is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Ulster. It was named after the town of Cavan . It is one of three counties situated in the province of Ulster without being part of Northern Ireland. The county is bordered by County Monaghan, County...
, LongfordCounty Longford is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the town of Longford ....
, LeitrimCounty Leitrim is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Connacht. It was named after the town of Leitrim .Leitrim is the 26th largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and smallest in terms of population...
and SligoCounty Sligo is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Connacht. It was named after the town of Sligo .Sligo is the 22nd largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and 25th largest in terms of population...
.
- The Regiment of Tírconaill - County Donegal
County Donegal is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the Province of Ulster and is part of the Republic of Ireland. It was named after the town of Donegal ....
.
- The Regiment of Uisneach - Counties Laois
County Laois is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. Its name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix....
, OffalyCounty Offaly is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster. It was named after the of Kingdom of Uí Failghe. Offaly is the 18th largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and 23rd largest in terms of population...
and WestmeathCounty Westmeath is one of the traditional counties of Ireland and is located within the province of Leinster.Westmeath is the 23rd largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and 22nd largest in terms of population. It is the sixth largest of Leinster’s 12 counties in size and eighth largest in...
.
- The Regiment of Desmond
Desmond may refer to:* County Desmond, county of medieval Ireland* The Earl of Desmond, Irish aristocratic title* Desmond Rebellions, Irish rebellions during the 16th century led by the Earl of Desmond* Desmond's, 1990s British sitcom, screened by Channel 4...
- Counties CorkCounty Cork is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Munster, and was named after the city of Cork...
and KerryCounty Kerry is one of the traditional counties of Ireland. It is located within the province of Munster. Kerry is the fifth largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and 14th largest in terms of population...
.
The Emergency
In response to the various security threats posed during
The Emergency, a new reserve force - the Local Security Force (LSF) - was created on the 28 May 1940 as an auxiliary police service. Instituted under a
Garda of the Peace of Ireland", often rendered as "The Guardians of the Peace (of Ireland)" and known in everyday speech as the Gardaí is the police force of the Republic of Ireland....
Act its activities were to be devoted to auxiliary police and internal security work. Recruiting forms were dispatched to Garda stations on the 31 May 1940 and by 16 June of the same year 44,870 members were enrolled.
On the 22nd June 1940 it was decided to divide the force into two groups:-
- "A" Group - to be an auxiliary to the army
- "B" Group - to continue as an auxiliary to the Police Force.
By August 1940 the strength had risen to 148,306 and by October of the same year detailed organisations for each group were issued and District Staffs were formed. By the end of 1940 the army had more or less completed its expansion to a war-time footing and was then in a position to take over the control of "A" Group from the Gardaí. On the 1st January 1941 it was handed over to the Command and control of the Army and was given the new title of "The Local Defence Force" (An Fórsa Cosanta Áitúil).
The "B" Group continued as an auxiliary police force and retained its old name - "The Local Security Force" (L.S.F.). From the military point of view the L.D.F. was the equivalent of many additional battalions to the Defence Forces.
Local Security Force
The L.S.F. was organised in groups around each Garda Station. It was organised into sections and squads and its general duties consisted of traffic control, communications, protective duties, transport, and
first aidFirst aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by a lay person to a sick or injured casualty until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care past the first aid...
.
While other elements of the Defence Forces devoted most of their time to training, the L.S.F., while training was important, were required to devote much of their time to actual work. Police duties, patrolling and observation were important aspects of their activities. Unlike the soldier who was trained to act as part of a team, the L.S.F. member acted more like a policeman and therefore more emphasis was placed on training to enable him to act alone.
In the cities and large towns their systems of patrols and beats were designed to coincide with times of local crime peaks. A survey of 200 commendations issued to members include the detection of such crimes as housebreaking, larceny, dangerous driving, saving of life from burning buildings, assistance to
Gardaí of the Peace of Ireland", often rendered as "The Guardians of the Peace (of Ireland)" and known in everyday speech as the Gardaí is the police force of the Republic of Ireland....
under assault and others.
They also assisted the Gardaí in searches for reported parachutists, missing persons, and crashed aircraft. They kept a watch for floating mines and provided cordons when required. They also assisted in policing at two General Elections. Assistance to other Government Departments was also provided, and included the distribution to households of
teaTea is the agricultural product of the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes of the Camellia sinensis plant, prepared and cured by various methods...
rationing forms and ration books (March 1941), census of
turfPeat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter. Peat forms in wetlandbogs, moors, muskegs, pocosins, mires, and peat swamp forests...
cutting (July 1941), a survey of accommodation available for refugees, and the provision of patrols to enforce the regulations governing the movement of cattle on outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
Local Defence Force
As noted above, this was the "A" Group of the L.S.F. that had been transferred to the army in January 1941. With its military status and responsibility, it was integrated into the combat organisations under full military discipline. The main LDF weapons were the rifle, bayonet and grenade. The organisation was mostly one of rifle companies and platoons.
In 1942 the LDF strength was 98,429. In 1943 this rose to 103,530. And in 1944 it was at 96,152. These strengths were regarded as being 90% effective and may reflect a rise and fall as the European battle front approached or receded from Irish shores.
Establishment of the FCÁ
A post-war establishment of 12,500 in all ranks saw a rapid demobilisation and reorganisation within a small period. The Regular Army was now composed of three Brigades, one in each of the Commands. In the Southern Command 1 Brigade had the 4, 12 and 13 Infantry Battalions; in the Eastern Command, 2 Brigade had the 2, 5 and 7 Inf Bn; while the Western Command 4 Brigade had the 1, 3 (though this remained stationed in the
CurraghThe Curragh is a flat open plain of almost 5,000 acres of common land in County Kildare, Ireland, between Newbridge and Kildare. This area is well-known for Irish horse-breeding and training. The National stud is located on the edge of Kildare town, beside the famous Japanese Gardens. Also...
Training Camp) and the 6 Inf. Bn. Each of the Corps had a field unit in every Brigade.
In 1947 all reserve forces were dis-established and in their place were created the First Line Reserve and An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCÁ) which was classed as Second Line.
The basic principles underlying this establishment were that:-
- The three brigades at about half strength could, with their reserves be quickly mobilised to full strength.
- Provide normal garrison and training establishments.
- Provide cadres for the Reserves.
This organisation remained until 1959 when "integration" was introduced by which the FCÁ was integrated with the Regular Army. Six Brigades of mixed Regular and FCÁ units, each with only one Regular Battalion were established with the intention that the remaining units would be filled by FCÁ personnel upon mobilisation.
In 1979 there was a change in the structure and role of the FCÁ which had existed since the 1959 integration.
The six integrated Infantry Brigades were reduced to four PDF (Permanent Defence Force) Brigades and the Eastern Command Infantry Force (ECIF). A new Command structure was set up for the FCÁ with a Directorate of Reserve Forces.
Changing role and the RDF
Confirmed by the Minister in the
Dáil Éireannis the principal chamber of the Oireachtas . It is directly elected at least once in every five years under the system of proportional representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote . Its powers are similar to those of lower houses under many other bicameral parliamentary systems and it is...
on 15 May 1991, the role of the FCÁ units changed. They were now to be tasked with local defence and security, reinforcement of PDF units with trained manpower, and the replacement of PDF units in Barracks should the need arise.
Females were inducted into selected units of the FCÁ in 1990 and from 1992 all units were permitted to recruit females. In 1997 a Steering Group was convened by the Chief of Staff to conduct a special study on the Restructuring of the Reserve Defence Forces. The Report was completed in May 1999.
On October 1 2005 the FCÁ was stood down and the RDF (Reserve Defence Forces), consisting of the Army Reserve and Naval Reserve, was established.
Current Composition
The Army Reserve is organised into three Brigades: 1st Reserve Brigade (South), 2nd Reserve Brigade (East), and 4th Reserve Brigade (West).
There is also a Reserve Defence Forces Training Authority (RDFTA) based in the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh. In addition there are 3 air defence batteries which are not part of the brigade structure but report directly to the 1 Air Defence Regiment (PDF) in the Curragh. They are territorially located, 2 Air Defence battery in the Eastern Brigade. 3 and 4 Air Defence Batteries in the Southern Brigade.
thumb
| Eastern Brigade |
Southern Brigade |
Western Brigade |
Air Defence Regt |
- RDF HQ
- RDF BTC
- 62 Res Inf Bn
The 62 Reserve Infantry Battalion is an Infantry Battalion in the Irish Reserve Defence Forces .-Unit Heritage:The 62 Reserve Infantry battalion was formed from the 20 and the 21 Infantry battalions of the FCÁ after the re-organization of the Irish army reserve in 2005...
- 65 Res Inf Bn
- 67 Res Inf Bn
- Med Coy, 62 Res LSB
- Tpt Coy, 62 Res LSB
- Camp Staff Coy, 62 Res LSB
- 62 Res Arty Regt
- 62 Res MP Coy
- 62 Res CIS Coy
The 62 Reserve Field Communication and Information Services Company is an Irish Reserve Defence Forces Company of the Communication and Information Services Corps.-The Emergency:...
- 62 Res Cav Sqn
The 62 Reserve Cavalry Squadron is an armoured unit in the Irish Reserve Defence Forces . It was formed in 2005 from the former 11 Cavalry Squadron FCÁ, 11 Motor Squadron FCÁ, 11 Cyclist Regiment FCÁ, and 41, 42, 43, 44 Cyclist Squadrons LDF....
- 62 Res Engr Coy
|
|
|
2 Air Defence Bty (Under Eastern Brigade Admin Control)
3 Air Defence Bty (Under Southern Brigade Admin Control)
4 Air Defence Bty (Under Southern Brigade Admin Control) |
Rank structure
- Main articles: Irish Army officer ranks
-Other Rank Insignia:Commissioned Ranks...
and Irish Army enlisted ranks-Other Rank Insignia:Commissioned Ranks...
The Irish Army Reserve is organised along the same rank and command structures as the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF), however there are some differences.
All Ranks within the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) are enlisted as recruits and must rise through the ranks, there is no direct entry as an officer and there is no
CadetA cadet is a trainee officer in the military, a junior branch of an important family, or simply a person who is a junior trainee.- Etymology :...
ship process. Potential officers are chosen for a Potential Officer Course from the
enlisted ranks-Other Rank Insignia:Commissioned Ranks...
, normally only Corporal and Sergeant ranks will be selected. The course is run over 2 years.
In the PDF a Battalion level unit would be commanded by a
Lieutenant-ColonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
, however in the RDF this would be a PDF
CommandantCommandant is a military or police title or rank. In the French, Spanish and Irish militaries it is a rank equivalent to Major. In anglophone nations it is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy.-India:In the British Indian Army, the...
. Before the Re-Org of the RDF in 2005, Commandant was the highest rank in the RDF, however there are now 4 reserve
Lieutenant ColonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
s appointed - one to each Brigade Headquarters and one to the Reserve Defence Forces Training Authority, based at the DFTC, Co Kildare.
Pop culture references
- The Reserve Defence Forces, and before them the FCÁ, composed a majority of the extras
An extra, also called a background actor, is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking, nonsinging or nondancing capacity, usually in the background...
in the Normandy D-Day battle scenes in Saving Private RyanSaving Private Ryan is a 1998 American war film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. The film is notable for the intensity of its opening 25 minutes, which depict the Omaha beachhead assault of June 6, 1944. Afterward,...
, as well as battle scenes in BraveheartBraveheart is a 1995 Academy-award winning historical action-drama film produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role. The film was written for screen and then novelized by Randall Wallace...
. Members of the RDF have also acted as extras in My Boy JackMy Boy Jack is a 2007 television drama based on David Haig's 1997 play of the same name. It was filmed in August 2007, with Haig as Rudyard Kipling and Daniel Radcliffe as Jack Kipling. It does not include act three of the play, which extended to the 1920s and 1930s. Instead it ends with Kipling...
, The Wind That Shakes the BarleyThe Wind That Shakes the Barley is a 2006 Ken Loach film set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War...
, and other films - generally in military situations.
- The Saw Doctors song 'FCA' is inspired by time that three of the band members spent in the force.
Footnotes and sources
- Some Historical information taken from the Irish Defence Forces website, www.military.ie, and reproduced under the terms of their licence.
External links