Modern/Post-War Photos

"And I never will forget ...

Government of Ireland/Oglaigh na hEireann.

... The sweet maiden I met, in the valley of Sliabh na mBan". Irish soldier poses beside Irish Army Rolls Royce Armoured Car A.R.R. 2, "Sliabh na mBan" at the Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare. Extraordinary as it may seem, this WW1-vintage vehicle, along with 12 others, remained in service with the Irish Army until 1944, when they ran out of tyres. The Irish Army has taken the trouble to restore this particular vehicle to its former pristine glory. Why ? Well, after a period of service in Dublin, "Sliabh na mBan" was transferred south, and acted as armoured escort to the column of General Michael Collins proceeding through West Cork, when the General and Minister was shot and fatally wounded in a Republican ambush at Beal na Bláth. We are big on history over here. "Sliabh na mBan" is believed to be one of two surviving Rolls Royce armoured cars in working condition, the other being in the collection of the Bovington Tank Museum, Dorset, England. It has made a number of "public appearances", including one at Bovington in conjunction with its "cousin". Best regards, JR.