'Protecting the Gap' for 50 years: 28th Infantry Battalion celebrates 'remarkable milestone'

Just before 2pm on Thursday, two Irish Air Corps PC-9 aircraft zoomed over Finner Camp.

The sight and sound might have taken natives back in time.

In early August 1973, the Donegal Democrat noted how ‘a helicopter at Finner Camp has aroused much interest’.

Less than a month later, on September 1, 1973, the 28th Infantry Battalion was formally established at Finner Camp under the command of Lieutenant Colonel EJ Quigley.

On Thursday, military personnel present and past gathered to celebrate and commemorate 50 years of meritorious service of the 28th Infantry Battalion, which was previously given the Freedom of Donegal in 2009.

“For the last 50 years, soldiers from this unit have proudly and loyally serviced the State during some of its most challenging periods,” said Lt Col Shane Rockett, Officer Commanding of the 28th Infantry Battalion.

“The 28th Infantry Battalion is embedded in the local community. For five decades, we have faced challenges and faced the changing tides of history, but the unit has stood strong and is always ready to answer the call of duty.”

In February 1922, Finner Camp was handed over to the newly formed National Army, under the command of Captain Jim Murphy of Bundoran. Civil unrest in Northern Ireland increased in the late 1960s and this was the catalyst for the permanent occupation of Finner from 1973.

The unit had the largest area of operations and the longest length of border to protect, with 81 border crossings between Muff in Donegal and Blacklion in Cavan. There are now around 350 soldiers based at the Finner barracks.

The insignia of the battalion is a black lion - historically, a symbol of bravery, valour, strength and loyalty - astride a valley, designed to represent Barnesmore Gap, which is at the heart of the unit’s area of operations. Soldiers continue to maintain its motto: ‘An Bhearna Bhaoil a Chosaint’; ‘Protecting the Gap’.

Lt Col Rockett said Thursday’s ceremony marked ‘a remarkable milestone in the history of dedication, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the Defence Forces and the people of Ireland’.

He said: “The contribution of 28th Infantry Battalions soldiers to the State and through service overseas with the United Nations cannot be understated and we are very proud as a unit that we can represent this part of Ireland as part of Óglaigh na hÉireann.”

The Defence Forces and its operations have seen many changes in the last 50 years. In 1994, Private Bridget Clarke was the first female member of the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner. The organising committee for Thursday’s events were led by the Carrigans woman, now Commandant Bridget Clarke, O/C A Coy.

The unit colours were blessed by Fr Jerry Carroll, the chaplain of the 28th Infantry Battalion, who recalled all of the members who served under its colours.

Six members of the unit have died in the Service of Peace, while on duty with the United Nations: Private Philip Grogan in 1979; Private Hugh Doherty in 1981; Corporal Dermot McLoughlin in 1987; and Privates Thomas Walsh, Mannix Armstrong and Kevin Barrett in 1989.

Lt Col Rockett said: “We remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving at Finner Camp. They will never be forgotten.”

A roll call of deceased members was read out and the tricolour raised full mast after The Last Post was sounded by the 2 Brigade Army Band, who accompanied the 28th Infantry Battalion pipe band to the ceremony.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Martin Harley, the guest of honour, laid a wreath at a memorial erected in 1990 by comrades of their colleagues who died in action. The MC for the 50th anniversary celebrations was Captain Seamus Shanahan.

“This battalion has a long and illustrious history,” Councillor Harley said after reviewing the battalion. “The 28th Infantry Battalion is an intrinsic part of life in Donegal. This is a modern, well-trained, well-equipped battalion of Óglaigh na hÉireann.”

Lt Col Rockett outlined that servicemen and women from the unit have represented Ireland overseas on tours of duty as part of peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, East Timor, Liberia, Chad, Western Sahara, Kosovo, Syria and Mali.

In 1990, having completed his training in Mullingar, Patrick Enfield reported to the 28th Infantry Battalion. After subsequent postings in Lifford, Cathal Brugha Barracks and Coolmoney, he was given the chance to return to Finner as Battalion Sergeant Major of the 28th Infantry Battalion.

“It was and should remain the aspiration of every enlisted soldier to be the Sergeant Major of the unit where they forged their career,” he said. “I am conscious of the outstanding reputation that the 28th Infantry Battalion has for loyalty to the State and being exemplars in the profession of arms.

“The past decade has been one of major changes for Ireland and the Defence Forces. Despite the challenges we face, I am confident that, due to the qualities of our personnel and the values and ethos of our unit, the 28th Infantry Battalion will remain ready and able to fulfil any military task that we are assigned now or in the future.”

Lt Col Rockett added: “The 28th Infantry Battalion will continue to be a cornerstone of the community in Donegal and we look forward to the next fifty years of ‘protecting the Gap’.”