Irish United Nations Veterans Association
IUNVA | Honouring | Caring | Remembering
AWARD OF DSM
On 12 Feb 2026, the Minister for Defence, Ms Helen McEntee TD, accompanied by the COS Lieut Gen Rossa Mulcahy, presented Distinguished Service Medals to Cpl Daniel Padden, Pte Dylan Geraghty, Pte Ciara Shanahan and Father Paul Murphy CF at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa. On 15 Aug 2024,as Fr Paul Murphy was returning to barracks in his vehicle. He was attacked and seriously injured outside the gates of the Bks by an assailant armed with a knife. Pte Ciara Shanahan, who was unarmed was on gate duty, proceeded to attempt to deter the attacker. The Guard Commander, Cpl Daniel Padden accompanied by another member of the Barrack Guard, Pte Dylan Geraghty responded rapidly, warning shots were fired, after which Pte Geraghty tackled the assailant and removed the threat from Fr Murphy.
Cpl Padden was awarded the DSM with Distinction, Pte Geraghty was awarded the DSM with Honour, Pte Shanahan was awarded the DSM with Merit and Fr Paul Murphy was awarded the DSM with Merit.
Gen Mulcahy said: “The awarding of Distinguished Service Medals to these four members of Óglaigh na hÉireann is a fitting and well deserved recognition of their courage, professionalism and moral resolve in the face of a violent attack on Fr Paul Murphy. Their actions exemplify the very highest standards of Óglaigh na hÉireann. In a moment of extreme danger, they acted decisively, selflessly and with complete regard for the protection of life. This outcome is a direct reflection of the rigorous training, discipline and values instilled in our personnel throughout their careers. I am immensely proud of these soldiers. Their conduct brings great pride, to their unit, An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe and to the Defence Forces as a whole, and it reinforces the trust placed in us by the people we serve.”
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
