Following the ‘Truce’ in July 1921, the number of new Fianna recruits greatly increased. These latest recruits were made up of newcomers, who came to be known as ‘Trucers’ in both the IRA and the Fianna, but were also composed of ex-members who had either withdrawn during the ‘War of Independence’ as hostilities intensified, or had been forbidden to continue membership by concerned parents. Many new units were formed in this ‘Truce’ period.
Fianna HQ decided to take advantage of this cessation of hostilities and began to openly recruit new members and they hosted a series of national training camps. These camps were even advertised in the local and national press, something which they were unable to do during the ‘Tan’ war.
One of the biggest of these training camps was held in Loughlinstown, South Dublin at the end of September/beginning of October 1921. It was for senior Fianna officers from across the country and was billed as an ‘All-Ireland’ training camp.
Fianna Eireann Chief of Staff Eamon Martin was, at this time, also chairman of Rathdown No. 1 Rural District Council who had their Council headquarters in the local workhouse building at the Loughlinstown (or Rathdown) Union (now the site of Loughlinstown hospital). This particular training camp, held in the grounds of the union/workhouse, was permitted by the Rathdown No. 1 Rural District Council.
Others camps held around Dublin in this period were at Finglas, Portmarnock and Artane.
This photograph, with the caption ‘Fianna Eireann Training Camp. The Boys Are Resting After A Morning’s Work’ was published in the ‘Interesting Photographs’ section of the ‘Irish Independent’ in October 1921 and depicts a scene from the Loughlinstown training camp.
This is a copy of the original photograph from the collection of Senior Fianna officer Liam Langley. Liam, a keen photographer, was a very active member of Na Fianna Eireann from 1911 onwards. He was a founder member of Fianna Eireann in Tuam, Co. Galway. In 1921 he was O/C 2nd Batt’n, Dublin Brigade. He was also an important member of Fianna HQ staff.
Many thanks to Liam’s granddaughter Eimear Cremen for the incredible photograph.
The History of Na Fianna Éireann 