Going through the Barracks
Geraldine Fitzgerald
100 years after British forces pulled out of what was then the Victoria Barracks in Cork, a new documentary called 'Cork Through the Barracks' will be broadcast on Cork Community Television on 18 May at 8pm.
Produced by Frameworks Films, the documentary tells the story of the key role Collins Barracks played in historic events over two centuries, particularly during the revolutionary period in Cork and in the formation of a new Ireland.
The documentary features serving and retired members of the Irish Defence Forces and in particular Gerry White, a retired Army Company Quartermaster Sergeant with 43 years of service in the Irish Army.
He has written several books on military history and co-wrote a book on the history of the barracks.
From its construction at the start of the nineteenth century following the French Revolutionary wars, connection with figures such as the Duke of Wellington, through to the First World War, the War of Independence and subsequent Civil War, the Emergency years, right up to present day global peacekeeping missions, Collins Barracks has played a key role.
‘Cork through the Barracks’ explores people who served within its walls and those currently serving in the garrison today, including some of the first women to join the army.
Despite its two-century presence, many living in Cork are unaware of its rich history.
The documentary aims to address that and show the strength of the relationship between the barracks and the city.
As we continue the Decade of Centenaries, it will also add to the body of knowledge about that period of history and show the part that Collins Barracks has played in the twists and turns of Irish history.
The documentary, which was produced with support from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, will be broadcast at 8pm on Cork Community Television, available on Channel 803 on Virgin Media’s digital cable package. It will also be streamed live on corkcommunitytv.ie and will be premiered on Frameworks Films YouTube Channel, which can be accessed via frameworksfilms.com.