Hi a few thoughts on re-unions, outings and the like. Its the same now as it was then, A battalion of seven to eight hundred men. If you form an Association for your Battalion. You would be very lucky to get one hundred to one twenty men to join and of that you would be lucky to get fifty strong supporters.When fellows leave the Defence Forces, its almost impossible to get them back into an association. Take a look at the membership of the ONEt and compare it to the numbers of ex soldiers. Most men when do not want any connection to associations for a hundred and one reasons. So when an ex soldier says he knows nothing about re-unions and the like. Its because he never kept up his contact.They had many such events. On Sat thee 19th Feb 1944. Ceilidhes were very poplar. No TVs, and the like. The Mansion House was thee place to be. B company 26th Battalion (second Battalion Old I R A.) had a re-union ceilidhe with old time dance (anyone remember them) in the Mansion House. At the intermission The Tully Troupe of Dancers took to the floor and Capt Sean Mooney sang.The band was Sean Fox and the M C Joseph Murphy .IN THOSE DAYS THE DANCES WOULD BE PRINTED OUT.You would have your Waltz, followed by a Paul Jones then onto the Walls of Limerick and a Military Two Step. A lady could book her dances in advance. If she knew a guy was good at jig she could book her dance with him at the beginning of the night and so to the man. That night through the courtesy of Radio Eireann part of the Ceilidhe was broadcast live from 10.40 to 11pm. The compere for the Radio Programme was none other than 2/Lieut P C Cahill..That was a regular thing with units. So not knowing about these things and they being broadcasted I would say it was by choice.I have a article by Capt Pat McCrea o/c B company 26Th Battalion some where if I find it I'll put it up.
