The monument to the Munster Fusiliers in the Christ The King Park in Ballymullen. Photo by Dermot Crean
IF you were passing Ballymullen recently, you may have noticed a new monument has been erected in Christ The King Park.
The impressive structure is in memory of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, who were stationed in the barracks from the 1880s up to independence.
The monument was agreed to be built by Tralee Town Councillors at their last meeting prior to the abolishment of the council in 2014 and was put in place at the park a few weeks ago, but no official unveiling date has been arranged yet.
The monument relates to the memory of Royal Munster Fusilier members, in particular those who took part in the Great War, and was created by Mossy Roche, Moyderwell.
The Royal Munster Fusiliers were formed in July 1881 as part of a wider restructuring of the British Army. They were stationed in Ballymullen Barracks and were an important facet of life in Tralee prior to independence.
The monument to the Royal Munster Fusiliers in Christ The King Park. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Fusiliers fought in the two Boer Wars (1880-1881 and 1899-1902) and also World War I. A total of 10 battalions and two Home Garrisons Battalions were in service during the Great War.
They saw action in Gallipoli (April 1915 – January 1916) and also extensively across Mainland Europe. The Royal Munster Fusiliers were disbanded in June 1922.
The 101st Royal Bengal Fusiliers and the 104th Bengal Fusiliers (who already had their Depot at Ballymullen) were renamed to the 1st and 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers.
A further three battalions were created for the Militia of Cork (3rd Battalion), Kerry (4th Battalion) and Limerick (5th Battalion). The Munsters Depot was Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee.
A total disgrace. Kerry should hang its head in shame! Are you insane!
why ? plenty of irishmen fought and died in both wars, the munster fusiliers were the 1st off the boats on to the beach in Gallipoli and suffered almost 100% casualties, yet we don’t say a word about them ? I think we should at least recognise those men for their bravery, if at odds with Britain, so be it, but they deserve to be remembered.