The ashes of a former soldier were scattered in an Army barracks yesterday in an unusual ceremony.
In a simple and prayerful service, the ashes of former Pte Paddy Troy were scattered in Sarsfield Barracks, where he had served as a member of the 12th Battalion for 14 years.
Pte Troy joined the Army in 1955 and served in the Congo with United Nations troops in 1960. He walked from Dublin to Limerick for charity in 1968.
Formerly from the Island Field in Limerick, he was in his 60s when he died recently from cancer in St Joseph's Hospice in London.
His dying wish was that his ashes would be scattered in Sarsfield Barracks, where he spent "great and happy days".
His wish was granted in a 15-minute service yesterday morning, conducted by the chaplain, Father Willie Walsh. It was attended by family members and friends.
The Officer Commanding Sars field Barracks, Lieut Col Matt O'Brien, was represented by Comdt Jim Carroll, and also present were Capt Neville Furlong, adjutant to the 12th Infantry Battalion, and Sgt Maj Cyril Shanahan.
A body of troops assembled in a semi-circle with their headwear across their hearts in the funeral position.
The ashes of former Pte Troy were in a special plastic container with a velvet cover. A close friend , Mr Richard Norris, who helped make the arrangements, brought the ashes from England.
In bright sunlight with the birds singing, he scattered them near trees on the camp field.
Father Walsh spoke of Pte Troy's final wish and said that the Army was delighted to be able to grant it.
The private had lost contact with his family, but was reunited with them before his death.
This was the first ceremony of its type in Sarsfield Barracks and possibly in the Defence Forces.