Sixty-two years of military history ended yesterday in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, with the closure of Camp Muckno military base. The Army No 1 Band led troops in a ceremonial march-out after the flag came down and the post was officially shut.
It is one of six being closed under an Army reorganisation scheme. Troops were moved from the base to Monaghan town, 15 miles away, but some of the 80 personnel have chosen an early-retirement package.
Brig Gen Colm Mangan, OC Eastern Command, said that during the past three decades, Border operations were performed to the highest standard by the men. "Today as we are leaving, we do so in a spirit of great hope and optimism as a result of the Good Friday Agreement. We now have a peace process which is ushering in a new era of peace and calm in Northern Ireland and the Border region."
The flag at the post was handed over to retired teacher Mr Sean Mac Domhnail (83), a former FCA area commander.