Militaria
The History department's collections contain the following categories of specimens on the theme of military history in the period 1600-2000:
Uniforms
In addition to a range of ceremonial and military uniforms there are uniform items relating to the constabulary from its establishment in the mid-19th century - RIC, RUC, 'B' Specials, and PSNI etc. For the post-1969 period there is a damaged RUC riot helmet & shield (recently on display in 'Conflict: The Irish at War' exhibition). The military selection extends over the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries and indicates the role of Irishmen in theatres of war both at home and abroad.
The collection has been recently updated with the addition of a cap, brassard etc of Lt-Gen. Vincent Savinho, who served in the Irish Armed Forces' UN peacekeeping role in Africa, Middle East and Kosovo. Further back in time, there is also evidence of the Volunteer and yeomanry movements of the last quarter of the 18th century, most notably the 1790s Volunteer coat of Henry Joy McCracken.
Image: A damaged RUC riot helmet & shield recently on display in 'Conflict: The Irish at War' exhibition.