Minister Killeen Visits Stephens Barracks In Kilkenny

On arrival at Stephens Barracks, the Minister was greeted by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Dave Ashe, General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Pakenham and the Acting Officer Commanding the Barracks.

Minister Killeen reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and was then briefed by senior military personnel and shown around the facilities at the Barracks. The Minister met members of the Battalion who are currently engaged on weapons training. He also met with members of the Reserve Defence Forces who are attending full time training at the Barracks.

Speaking during the visit the Minister said "The personnel at Kilkenny Barracks make an important and positive contribution to the tasks performed by the Southern Brigade. We all as citizens gained an appreciation of the value of our Defence Forces

Stephens Barracks consists of 14 acres of land. It was built between 1800 and 1803 by James Switser a local contractor on a site provided by Walter Butler, Earl of Ormond. This Barracks was one of a number of military posts constructed throughout the country subsequent to the 1798 rebellion at a time when the British government seriously considered the possibility of a French Invasion of Ireland.

Other Barracks built at that time were McCann Barracks, Templemore, the present Garda Training Depot and Columb Barracks, Mullingar. Most of Stephens Barracks was built at that time. A garrison church was constructed in 1852 and no other construction was done until the present catering centre was built in 1988. The Barracks was named in 1969 after James Stephens the famous Fenian leader.

The Units currently in the Barracks include the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the Reserve Infantry Battalion and the area of operations covers counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Laois and East Waterford.

The 3rd Infantry Battalion has a proud sporting tradition and is home to hurling stars Lieutenant Steve Molumphy, Captain of the Waterford senior hurlers, Private Eoin Larkin, the Kilkenny hurler and Lieutenant Kieran Kennedy, the Wexford footballer.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available to download from www.dunphyprimages.com