Pictures from Nenagh Past...2

Old Military Barracks, Nenagh

This imposing ruin began its role as a military complex in 1832 and was garrisoned by regiments of the British Army until 1922 when the Irish Free State was formed. The complex was briefly occupied by the Irish Army until 1924.

In the military arrangements of the time, it was one of nine military stations in County Tipperary. There were four for cavalry, at Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir, Clogheen, and Fethard; four for infantry, at Cashel, Nenagh, Roscrea, and Templemore (now the Garda training depot); and one for cavalry, artillery and infantry at Clonmel. The whole were capable of accommodating 139 officers and 2935 men.

A revolt which occurred here in July 1856 deserves mention as it may well be described as one of the most outstanding events in the history of Nenagh. The townspeople of Nenagh, then and now, are never found wanting when it comes to giving a name to an unusual occurrence or event. True to form, this particular revolt – serious though as it was - went down in history by the whimsical but appropriate name of the “The Battle of the Breeches”

The cause of the revolt was simple and, without going into too much detail, it occurred in a regiment of the North Tipperary Militia who were stationed here for training during the Crimean War. On their enrolment, the Irish recruits were promised a bounty but when peace was declared and the Government had no further use for them, they refused to pay the bounty.

When the order was given for the soldiers to give up their uniforms, one man refused to give up his black trousers whereupon he was immediately arrested and confined to the guard-house. The revolt that followed when his comrades tried to rescue him lasted several days and spilled over into the town. “The shops are all closed, business is suspended and the town appears like a place besieged”. The revolt was eventually quelled by force of arms and mediation and the Authorities agreed to honour its commitments.

No revolt or mutiny is without its consequences and in the ensuing General Court-martials, one ringleader was sentenced to death, five others to transportation for life and three more to 21 years transportation. The death sentence was later commuted to transportation for life and the eight others to ten and four years.

The latter judgement recorded the following against the officers in charge: “Had they not sought to cast off the Irish recruitss, hungry, penniless and naked, the mutiny would have never had an existence”.

I like this view of the old Military Barracks from my bedroom window. Mainly, because it is part of the history of the town.