IN MEMORY OF THE OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND PRIVATE
SOLDIERS OF THE 1ST AND 2ND BATTALIONS OF THE ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT,
WHO DIED OF DISEASE OR WERE KILLED IN ACTION DURING THE CAMPAIGNS
OF AFGHANISTAN, 1879-80, AND EGYPT, 1882.
THIS MEMORIAL IS ERECTED BY THEIR COMRADES.
ALSO IN MEMORY OF NILE EXPEDITION, 1884-85.
The names inscribed on the East, West, and South faces are given in [Appendix 2].
There was no public ceremony at the unveiling of this Memorial.
A picture of the Cross is at [page 231].
THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR MEMORIAL, CLONMEL.
The ceremony of unveiling this Memorial was performed at the Barracks, Clonmel, on October 5th, 1908, by the Marquis of Ormonde, Honorary Colonel of the original 5th Battalion, now the 4th Special Reserve Battalion, of the Royal Irish Regiment. About 350 men of the 2nd Battalion, under command of Colonel A. S. Orr, D.S.O., travelled from Buttevant with the band and colours, and formed up on the Barrack Square with the 3rd Special Reserve Battalion, under command of Major R. O. Kellett.
After carrying out the ceremony of unveiling, the Marquis of Ormonde addressed the troops, and recounted the services of the Regiment during the War in South Africa. He made special mention of the gallant deed of No. 3733, Private J. Barry, a Kilkenny man, who was killed at Monument Hill on the night of January 6th, 1901. Private Barry was awarded the Victoria Cross, and it was given to his widow. Lord Ormonde further alluded to the fine fighting record of the Royal Irish in all parts of the British Empire during two and a quarter centuries.
Colonel A. S. Orr, D.S.O., responded on behalf of the Regiment.