Beggars Bush
Introduction from Chronology
IRA GHQ officially takes over Beggars Bush Barracks, Dublin as its
HQ. As the IRA’s Dublin Guard march past City Hall (where the Provisional
Government are housed), Collins takes the salute. Cheering crowds line the
streets.
More Detail
The Beggars Bush garrison is made up of ex-Squad members and
trusted members of the Dublin brigade – they become the first regiment of the
Free State army (Dublin Guards) led by Paddy O’Daly
and Joe Leonard.
Mulcahy and others work hard at giving all the appearances that
this army was still the IRA. Over the
coming period, the British Army handed over a number of Barracks including
Wellington Barracks on the South Circular Road, Portobello Barracks, Tallaght
Camp and the Curragh.
The British held onto the Barrack in the Phoenix Park, Richmond
Barracks in Kilmainham and the Royal Barracks on the north quays as well as the
aerodrome at Collinstown. (Dorney 2017, pgs 35 &36)