On Monday 30th January 1922 the 1st Battalion of the Royal Northumberland Fifth Fusiliers travelling in "motorised transport" were escorted by the Irish Republican Police from the Military Barracks to the Deighton Memorial Hall in Burrin Street to attend and perform at two Farewell Concerts. The Deighton Hall was packed out for the performances and a crowd assembled outside. Years later Archie Breen and Alfie King liked to recall how the people from "the Lanes " gathered outside the Hall and sang along with the St. George's Minstrels and the Army Band such old Music Hall favourites as "Don't Dilly Dally on the Way" "Down at the Old Bull and Bush" "Hello Hello" "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" "A Mother's Lament" and a selection of Operatta and Percy French songs and finally " Come Back to Erin Mavoureen, Mavoureen". Mr. Governey kindly supplied a few dozen crates of beer which was shared by all inside and out.. This was among the last "official" acts of the British Army in Carlow until twelve days later when they would formally hand over Carlow Military Barracks to the Irish Free State Army. The Nationalist 4th February 1922. FAREWELL CONCERTS IN CARLOW. On Monday night a Farewell Concert was given in the Deighton Memorial Hall, Carlow, to the 1st Battalion of the 5th Fusiliers, who are leaving the town under the terms of the Treaty. There was a good attendance and a very enjoyable evening was spent. FAREWELL RECITAL. On Thursday night a Farewell Recital was given in St. Mary's Protestant Church to the same Battalion. Mr. J.A. Craig presided at the organ. There was a large congregation and the well arranged programme was highly appreciated by everybody present. [ Note added by Michael Purcell 2010. It must have been some sight to witness a battalion of the British Army in convoy travelling through the streets of Carlow protected by I.R.A. men !. ]