Has anyone been to see "Soldiers and Chiefs: The Irish at War at Home and Abroad, 1550-2001 Exhibition" at Collins Barracks Dublin?

There's a lot of good stuff there especially from the Tan War and the Civil War but there are ommisions and a few annoying things there.
The biggest ommission is the recent history of the Irish army. The UN service is covered in great detail but The work done by the Irish Defence Forces as an aid to the Civil Power during the troubles is covered by one photo , a couple of paragraphs, a sign from a Garda checkpoint, and a riot helmet, baton and shield on a mannequin. No uniform. Having served from 81-84 in Dublin and Monaghan on innumerable cash escorts, explosive escorts, court guards and border checkpoints I was dissappointed that the major function of the Irsih Defences Forces in the last 30 years of the 20th century was so neglected.
The other annoyance is that no photographs are allowed. I can understand this in some of the rooms housing old documents and uniforms but what damage will a photo flash do to a Bren gun carrier or a Landsverk tank. It's the only Military Vehicle Exhibit I've been to in Europe that doesn't allow photos.
The other annoying thing is the Bren gun carrier- it's mounted on a landscaped plinth and painted half grey (The Irish colour) and half Olive drab (The British Colour) although this isn't explained. I'm 6'1" and the plinth is so high that even I can't see the interior of the Carrier. From a walkway about 5 metres away I could see that there were crates and helmets inside but whats the point in that when they can't be seen?
I'd be interested to hear anyone else's impressions of the exhibition

I was there just the other day and found it very good. I had no idea the range of vehicles the Defence Forces have had and the Vampire Jet Fighters were a welcome surprise.
Despite some of the omissions I think it instills a sense of pride in our Defence Forces.

They have improved the signage and updated the info on the Bren gun carrier since I posted -almost two years ago. I suppose the reason it annoys me (Apart from the no photographs) is that I was in the Army doing cash escorts, prisoner escorts, explosive escorts, guarding the Central bank and the Central Criminal court as well a stint on the Border and the whole display of the Irish Army during the "Troubles" consists of one glass case with a riot helmet and shield, an F.C.A officer's tubic, parts of an Army Ranger Uniform and a Garda Checkpoint sign. I could probably put on a better display myself if I cleaned out my wardrobe.

Actually I visit the museum quite often and if a new or different attendant is there I always ask what the point of having the Bren Gun Carrier on a raised platform is. Next time I plan to bring a mirror on a stick

I have a feeling the museum is deliberately avoiding displays on The Troubles, for whatever reason. A shame because it's a big and important part of Irish history, both for the Defence Force, the Irish that live in the North and even the Irish down here.

I'm actually kicking myself after visiting though. In the gift store on the way out I noticed a book, Irish Army Vehicles: Armour and Transport since 1922. Seeing it at €27 I thought it was far too expensive but after looking online that's the cheapest price by a wide margin. That is a book I'd definitely love to get my hands on.

Vertigo,

If you have an interest in Military vehicles, did you know about the Show in Dublin this weeked? I know it's a good distance from you, but they aparently have quite a lot of vehicles on display.

There are details at www.salute.ie

Victor.

Oh wow, just my luck huh? The chances of me getting to that show are limited, I mean I'd have to convince my dad to take me. I'm just a poor student... College is set to rob me of all my money over the next few months unless I find a part time job to support it but I digress.
Maybe if I'm lucky I can make it.
Is there an annual model show in Dublin as well?

Hi Vertigo,

I'm not sure about Model Shows, I only heard about the Vehicle show this evening from a colleague at work, but looking at the website they seem to tour around the country each year, so you may find a site closer to home.

Good Luck,

Victor.

Yes the Irish Model Soldier Society hold their annual show in the summer. This year it was in Dublin Castle and I heard they stck to that venue for next year

http://www.imss.moonfruit.com/

I've got next year to look forward too then. I should be on work placement for 6 months and there's a high chance I'll land in Dublin.
Oh and I found this book today.
Books Unlimited Don't know if any of you have it but it's from Osprey Publishings Men at Arms series, which is a good series. Should be full of photographs and full color uniform plates. Books Unlimited are based in Ireland, take a Laser as far as I remember and have a decent tracking system.

Didn't make it to Salute myself, but was at the Vintage Military Vehicle show in the Curragh earlier in the summer. A pretty good selection of vehicles. Unfortunatley I've an old camera that uses "film" so no pics to post.... There are some here though, if you can ignore the derogatory comments: http://www.ww2f.com/wwii-today/23871-curragh-military-vehicle-show.html

The group that run these shows has a website: http://www.imvg.org

Maybe see ye there next year!

Sean

A nice collection of vehicles, some from the 'Paddy' army apparently... you're right about the derogatory comments.
However if what they're yapping on about is true then there's a warehouse of Comets and Churchill's sitting in this country somewhere.