'Lady Castlerosse addressing the Battalion', presentation of new colours to the 4th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers (Kerry Militia), 23 June 1904

Photograph, Ballymullen Camp, Tralee, Ireland, 1904.

Valentine Augustus Browne (1825-1905), Viscount Castlerosse (from 1853) and 4th Earl of Kenmare (from 1871) was made Honorary Colonel of the 4th Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers in 1866. His wife, here referred to as 'Viscountess Castlerosse', was Gertrude Harriett Thynne (1840-1913).

A newspaper at the time quoted Viscountess Castlerosse, 'Col Sugrue, officers and men of the 4th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, it is not easy to find words to give fitting expression to the feelings of pleasure and pride I experience in taking part in the ceremony of to-day. We of Kerry have good cause to be proud of our Militia Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers. Not only is county town the depot of the gallant regiment, but you have contributed so many recruits to its fighting ranks that you justly share in the glory they have won. We recall with pride the many names of the stricken fields where the Munsters carried their flag to victory, though the victory was sealed with the blood of their bravest and best'.

From a photograph album compiled by and relating to the career of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Ambrose D'Oyly Goddard (1868-1962), Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1891-1957.