Irish United Nations Veterans Association
IUNVA | Honouring | Caring | Remembering
Presentation of DSM
On Saturday, 8 Mar 2025, An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris presented the Distinguished Service Medal with Honour to the family of the late Pte William (Billy) Kedian at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. Pte Kedian (21), who was from Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo, was serving with C Coy, 85 Inf Bn when was killed on 31 May 1999 by shrapnel when an 81 mm mortar round exploded in post 6-42 Brashit. Two mortar rounds had been fired from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and De Facto Forces (DFF) Compound W144, two other members of the Post were wounded. Billy was on his second tour of duty with UNIFIL, he enlisted in the Defence Forces on 30 Dec 1996 and his home unit was 1 Cn Cois. His body was flown home on Friday 4 Jun and it was brought to Knock Airport by Air Corps Casa aircraft. On Saturday 5 Jun 1999, he was buried with full military honours at Ballyhaunis Cemetery following Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Church.
The citation reads as follows:
“856310 Private William ‘Billy’ Kedian
Is awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with Honour
Citation
For distinguished service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), for displaying courage, bravery and leadership. On 31 May 1999, Pte Kedian, despite great personal risk and while his Post was under fire, alerted fellow Peacekeepers to the dangerous situation and directed them to a place of safety. His selfless actions and devotion to duty placed him in danger and resulted in his death
The DSM is awarded to individuals whose actions display bravery, courage, leadership, resource, or devotion to duty, and can be awarded with Honour, with Distinction, or with Merit. The DSM With Honour has only been awarded on 31 previous occasions.
Meeting at Government Buildings
A delegation from IUNVA met with An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD at Government Buildings on Tuesday 11 March 2025. The delegation consisted of Maj Gen Kieran Brennan (Retd) National Honorary President, Viv Collins National Welfare Officer, Peter Early National Treasurer and George Kerton National PRO.
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Honouring
We honour our fallen comrades by holding Annual Wreath Laying Ceremonies at our Irish United Nations Veterans Association Memorials and gravesides.
Events are held annually throughout the country by our Posts.
We have a number of burial plots countrywide for members who fall on hard times. Details and requests can be made to National Welfare Officer of any Post Welfare Officer.
Caring
To advise and assist our veterans, who have been adversely affected physically or mentally as a result of their UN Service. Welfare Officers are available countrywide to provide assistance for those who may have difficulties in coping with burials, domestic issues and accomm-odation needs. We have a number of Drop-in Centres, some with accommodation countrywide where members and non-members are welcome to visit for advice, tea, coffee, comradeship and a friendly chat.
Remembering
To ensure the memory of those who gave their lives, service and sacrifice in the cause of peace on United Nations Service is not forgotten. To remember deceased ex-members of the Defence Forces who served at home and overseas and members of an Gardai.
We continue to erect IUNVA Memorials and secure graves countrywide.
MiSsion Statement
The main objects or charitable purposes for which the Association is established are:
The prevention or relief of poverty and economic hardship and the provision of financial relief in cases of necessity or distress to members of IUNVA and their dependants within capabilities.
To provide financial and other supports to veterans whose lives have been adversely affected as a result of service with the United Nations.
Integration of disadvantaged veterans and promotion of their full participation in society.
- To promote, for the public benefit, the commemoration of Irish citizens who have died in the cause of world peace while on service with the United Nations or on United Nations mandated missions or operations.
Subsidiary Objects
As objects incidental and ancillary to the attainment of its Main Objects, the Association shall have the following subsidiary objects:
- To promote public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the history of Irish participation in United Nations peace support missions and operations.
- To support, where requested, training, education and awareness within the Defence Forces and other organisations regarding overseas service and the history of Irish participation – particularly where lessons were identified or major challenges overcome – and to promote the remembrance of lost comrades through membership of the Association.
- To support commemorative and ceremonial events organised by the State, Óglaigh na hÉireann (The Defence Forces), An Garda Síochána, local authorities, local communities and other national veterans’ associations.
- To assist with academic research into Irish involvement in United Nations and United Nations mandated peace support operations and missions, and the collection and collation of archival material in this regard.
- To provide and coordinate health education courses, advice and counselling for members.
- To provide a network of support and social interaction through the organisation of social, recreational, cultural and sporting activities for members and their dependants.
- To establish, maintain and encourage contact with likeminded kindred associations and agencies in Ireland and in other countries.
- To engage and advocate with central government, local government, state and voluntary agencies in advancing the interests of the Association, its members and families of members.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the Irish United Nations Veterans Association
Through these pages we hope you will gain an insight about IUNVA and learn what the association stands for and what we are about.
There are some interesting articles in the Blog section to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re curious about who we are! what we do? we’re here to answer any questions.
Contact Information for IUNVA Museum
