Special military Mass marks Lifford's proud past with 28th Infantry Battalion

It may be over 15 years since the gates of the military post were locked shut, but the value of the Defence Forces presence in Lifford can still be felt.

Evidence was laid out on Friday at a special military Mass at St Patrick's Church, Murlog.

As part of the 60^th anniversary of the consecration of the Church and marking 50 years since the Clonleigh Parish became an independent parish in the Derry Diocese, parish priest Fr Colm O'Doherty hosted a current and former soldiers to mark a proud association with the military in the border town.

For almost 40 years from February 1974, the military post where the A Company of the 28^th Infantry Battallion was based served as a key pillar of both the community and the people it served.

The Officer Commanding of the 28^th Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Shane Rockett recalled how he cut his own teeth as a young lieutenant in Lifford where he “learned many skills associated with border operations”.

Lifford Military Post, at the former Prior School, was first occupied by members of B Coy and Sp Coy, but in 1976 it was officially established as A Coy, 28^th Infantry Battalion. The establishment of the unit in Lifford saw a rise in local volunteers joining the Defence Forces.

The base was home to some 150 infantry troops plus support staff. The Lifford barracks would employ more than 2,500 soldiers over its 36-year history.

“It is also fitting to note that many soldiers from outside the 28^th Infantry Battalion also served at Lifford Military Post gaining valuable border duty experience,” Lt Col Rockett said.

“Lifford Military Post, like Rockhill, shaped the modern 28^th Infantry Battalion we have based at Finner Camp today.

“Not only did Lifford become an important outpost for border operations during the Troubles where NCOs and privates honed their navigational skills to stay on the right side of the border, it also provided the springboard for many that served in the post.”

Before the Mass, the Irish tricolour was raised at the monument commemorating deceased members the local Defence Forces while the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by bugler Cpl Michael Walsh and Amhrán na bhFiann was played by piper Pte Aidan Gillespie and drummer Pte Mark McHugh.

Wreaths were laid by Joe McCrossan and Frank Coyle on behalf of the 20^th Infantry Association and the Military Police Association.

Gifts including the UN beret, a photograph of the old Prior School, the 28^th Infantry Battalion booklet and a candle representing the Clonleigh Parish were carried forward by Evelyn Crossan (whose brother, Pte Phil Grogan, died while on active service in Lebanon in 1979 and is interred in the cemetery at Murlog), retired Cpl Eddie McHugh, Pte Oran Sweeney and Pte Eamonn Fitzpatrick.

The chalice was carried by Geraldine Hannigan and the host by Seamus Devenney while readings were delivered by Hugo Callaghan and Sgt Darren Larkin.

Sgt Paul Crawford read the names of 60 deceased members of the 28^th Infantry Battalion.

An officers guard of honour saluted the Eucharist while Fr O'Doherty blessed and dedicated the colours of the 28^th Infantry Battalion.

“It is with a sense of hope that we celebrate our Defence Forces who serve proudly across the world as part of the United Nations and most especially to represent our nation in so many ways,” Fr O'Doherty said.

“I am very conscious of the great service they give on our behalf and on behalf of our nation.”

Fr O'Doherty the large congregation that the day was to celebrate “five decades of the 28^th Infantry Battalion being a part of the Clonleigh community”.

A native of Derry, he recalled how his home city was “a very unfortunate and angry place with so much violence” in the early 1970s; a period that coincided with the setting up of the border post at Lifford in 1974 and the arrival of the 28^th Infantry Battalion.

Fr O'Doherty said: “It was at a time of great stress that the State showed its best face and people showed such courage to serve in the cause of peace.

“We have many families here who have a close association with the army and with the 28^th Infantry Battalion. Simply, thank you for what you have done for us as a parish and a community.”

In January, 2009, Lifford Military Barracks closed its gates and ceased operations as a military post with Captain Dan O'Connor the final Officer Commanding.

Lt Col Rockett recalled that those who served in Lifford “represented the people of Lifford and the 28^th Infantry Battalion to a high standard wherever they went – at home or abroad on overseas service”.

He said: “During almost four decades of being immersed in the local community, the members of A Coy brought stability, employment and supported many local charities.

“The military post was not just a part of the local community, it was at the centre of it.”