Army Barracks hosts historic meeting of Kilkenny County Council

History was made at James Stephens Barracks earlier this month when it hosted an official meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

The decision to hold the meeting in the Barracks was made to celebrate the centenary of The Bloods, the 3rd Infantry Battalion based in Kilkenny.

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Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, expressed his gratitude to Colonel Gareth Prendergast for facilitating the occasion.

“It is a profound and meaningful moment for me to preside over a meeting of the Council within the hallowed walls of Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny,” he told those gathered.

“We in Kilkenny are conscious and proud of the contribution which the women and men of the 3rd Battalion have made both locally and on foreign shores.

“Service in Lebanon, the Golan Heights, and other troubled locations has seen the Irish soldiers bring the best of their national characteristics to bear on the challenging, and sadly – as we have seen recently – the dangerous vocation of peacekeeping.”

Colonel Prendergast thanked Cllr Fitzpatrick for his speech and used his time at the podium to highlight the strong connection between the people of Kilkenny and their local Battalion.

He emphasised how important the Barracks is as a source of employment in the city and how it has woven itself into the cultural fabric and spirit of the city.

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Colonel Prendergast then emphasised and commended the service of all those who served in the Barracks over the years.

He also highlighted the sacrifices made by servicemen and servicewomen, and paid tribute to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their country over the years.

Colonel Prendergast then presented Cathaoirleach Pat Fizpatrick with a framed arial photograph of James Stephens Barracks

The Cathaoirleach stated that the photograph will find pride of place in County Hall and serve as a reminder to elected officials of the immense contribution made by the The Bloods to Kilkenny.