Irish Language in the Irish Army (1958)

Peter Feely
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/06/2016
Reference Code: IE_MA_MAC_006_MAOHP_001_G
Location(s): Cathal Brugha Barracks Curragh Camp
Length: 2.14

In this piece of audio taken from an interview on 24th June 2016, you will hear retired Colonel Peter Feely, a veteran of the Congo and one of three Platoon Commanders at the Battle of the Tunnel (December 1961). Colonel Feely was one of 14 men from 'A' Company of 36th Battalion, who received a DSM (Distinguished Service Medal). Here, Colonel Feely speaks about his enlistment into the army in 1958 and early days of training. He states that at this time, Minister Kevin Boland made a decision that all business in the army would be conducted through the Irish language in order to help revive the language. He reflects on the challenges with this and underlines the strict implementation of this rule and outlines the punishment if soldiers spoke English.

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