Obituary retired Cpl Sean Caffrey – 25 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 25 Jul 2025 of retired Cpl Sean Caffrey, Laraghbryan, Maynooth and late of Kilcock, Co Kildare and the Curragh Training Camp. He passed away peacefully, in his 97th year, in the tender care of the staff of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. He was pre-deceased by his parents Brigid and Patrick. Sadly missed by his loving wife Angela, sisters Joan, Patricia and Winnie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, best friend Willie, extended family and friends.
Peace Reposing at Oliver Reilly’s Funeral Home, Leinster St., Maynooth, (W23V99E) on Tuesday from 1600 to 2000 with evening prayers at 1900. Removal from the Funeral Home on Wednesday at approximately 1030am to arrive at St Mary’s Church, Maynooth for 1100 Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Laraghbryan Cemetery, Maynooth.
Solas geal na bhflaitheas dá anam.
Obituary Post 9 Member Michael Delaney – 24 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 24 Jul 2025 of Post 9 member Michael Delaney, Healy St, Tullamore Co Offaly, formerly Dernagun, Pullough, Co Offaly and late of 6 Inf Bn and 16 Inf Bn FCA. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the care of the staff of the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore. He was predeceased by his wife Gret, his parents Mixer and Katie, his brothers Pat and Seanie and sister Pauline. Sadly missed by his sons Aidan, Donal and Gordon, daughters-in-law Tracy, Christine and Mary, 13 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers Jim, Leo and Joe, sisters Nan, Moll, Helen and Martina, extended family, Army Colleagues, neighbours and friends.
Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Colman’s Church, Mucklagh with Burial afterwards in the adjoining New Cemetery.
Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dó
Obituary Jadotville Veteran, retired Cpl John Shanagher – 20 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 20 Jul 2025 of a Jadotville veteran, retired Cpl John Shanagher, Old Rd, Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare. He passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in Carrigoran House Newmarket-On-Fergus. Predeceased by his wife Regina, brothers Michael and Paddy, sister Carmel. Deeply missed by his loving family, sons Kevin and Eoin, grandson Seán, greatgranddaughters Kyra and Rhea, Kevin’s partner Charmaine and her daughter Erin, brothers Eddie, Denis and Peter, sisters Bridget and Lilly, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.
He completed two tours of duty in the Congo, with 32 Inf Bn and with 1 Pl, A Coy 35, his home unit was 6 Inf Bn.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on 23 July in Our Lady of the Rosary Church Newmarket-On-Fergus followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium.
Síocháin síoraí dá anam uasal.
Obituary Retd Cpl Dermot Flynn – 15 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members od the death on 5 Jul 2025 of Dermot Flynn, Curragh View, Brownstown, The Curragh o Kildare and late of Killucan, Co Westmeath, Retd MP Cpl at his home. Sadly missed by his loving wife Jenny, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday 18 July 2025 at St Brigids Garrison Church, The Curragh with burial after at Holy Cross Cemetery, Suncroft..
Solas geal na bhflaitheas dá anam.
Obituary Christy Russell – 13 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 13 Jul 2025 of Christy Russell, Riverside, Portarlington, Co Laois, formerly of St Margaret’s, Co Dublin and Connell Drive, Newbridge, Co Kildare and late of 1 Armd Car Sqn, Plunkett Bks, Curragh Camp. Peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Pre-deceased by his son Mark and his parents Pat and Christy. Sadly missed by his loving children Debbie, Nicole, Barry, Tony and their mother Eva, son in law Steve, grandchildren Kirsten, Steven, Arianna, Paige, Freya and Amelia, sister Fran and her partner Ken, nephews and nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on 17 July 2025 at St. Conleth’s Parish Church, Newbridge. Burial afterwards in St. Conleths Cemetery, Newbridge.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Obituary Former BQMS Tom Browne – 12 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 12 Jul 2025 of former BQMS Thomas (Tom) Browne, a veteran peackeper who served in the Congo, Cyprus and Lebanon, formerly of Lacora Glen, Delvin, Co Westmeath and late on McKee Bks Coy and Eq Sch, he passed away peacefully after a short illness at St James’ Hospital, Dublin. Loving husband of Maria and father of Celine, Jackie, Paul and step-father of Notis. Tom will be sadly missed by his wife, daughters, son, step-son, brothers Harry and Maurice, sons-inlaw Mick and Graham, daughter-in-law Claire, grandchildren Anthony and his wife Laura, Lauren and her husband Clinton, Ashleigh, Amie and Kate, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Marie, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on 17 July in the Church of the Assumption, Delvin, with burial in the local cemetery.
Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dó.
Obituary former Coy Sgt John Joseph Coy – 04 July 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 4 Jul 2025 of former Coy Sgt John Joseph Coy, Brownstown Rd, The Curragh, Co Kildare and late of Dep MPC and Mil Detn Bks. He passed away peacefully at St Brigids Hospice, The Curragh. Brother of the late Ann Bohane. Sadly missed by his loving wife Maura, sons Peter and Stephen, daughter Laura, grandchildren Jamie, Adam, Caoilainn, Mallaidh and Robin, daughters in law Noeleen and Jan, son in law Aidan, brothers Steve, Philip and Anthony, sisters Brigid, Deirdre and Rosemary, brothers and sisters in law, nephews and nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiem Mass was celebrated on 15 July 2025 at St. Brigids Garrison Church, The Curragh Camp. Burial afterwards in St Conleths Cemetery,Newbridge.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Obituary Comdt Noel Keys (Retd) – 28 June 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 28 Jun 2025 of Comdt Thomas Noel (Noel) Keyes (Retd) late of Ranelagh, Dublin 6 and Lucan, Co Dublin) June 28th, 2025, peacefully, following a long illness. He passed away in the loving care of the staff at Mount Pleasant Lodge Nursing Home, Kilcock. He was predeceased by his brother Seán. Very sadly missed by his children Anne Marie, Evelyn, Martin, Noel, Mark and Austin, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brother Liam (Boston), sisters Anne Rae and Evelyn Kirwan, brother-in-law, sister-inlaw, nieces, nephews and extended family, his former wife Phyllis and his dear friend Olive.
Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook on 2 Jul 2025 followed by burial in Esker Cemetery.
He was born in Dublin in Dec 1936 and he enlisted in the DF in Jan 1954. He served in 2 Fd Sigs Coy and AHQ Sigs Coy. He completed two tours of UN service as a Sgt with Sig Pl, HQ Coy, 34 Inf Bn in the Congo from Jan to Jun 1961 and in Cyprus with the Sig Pl, HQ Coy, 40 Inf Bn from Apr to Oct 1964. He was commissioned into the S&T Corps as a member of 2 Pot Offrs Course in Dec 1970. He served in 4 Grn S&T Coy, 11 Fd Sigs Coy FCA and 1 Grn MP Coy.
Solas geal na bhflaitheas dá anam
Obituary Brig Gen James J. Farrell (Retd) – 24 May 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 24 May 2025 of Brig Gen James J Farrell (Retd), Trabeg Lawn, South Douglas Road Cork and formerly of Clones, Co. Monaghan. He passed away peacefully at Beaumont Residential Care. Dearly loved husband of Maureen and much loved father of Emer, Tiernach and Úna. Sadly missed by his loving wife and family, sister Ann, son-in-law Eugene, daughter-inlaw Mandy, Emer’s partner Michael, grandchildren Eoin, Emma, Diarmuid, Deirdre, Fergus, Molly, Niamh, Aísling and Sinéad, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday 28 May in St Columba’s Church, Douglas. Funeral afterwards to The Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
He joined in the DF as a member 29 Cdt Class in Dec 1954 and when he was commissioned in Nov 1956, he was posted to 4 Inf Bn. His first overseas posting was in the Congo as Pl Comd, B Coy, 35 Inf Bn from Jun to Dec 1961. He was wounded by shrapnel in the fighting in Elisabethville during Op Morthor and he was evacuated by air to Leopoldville for treatment. He later served with UNFICYP in Cyprus and UNIFIL in Lebanon where he was 2 /IC 58 Inf Bn from Nov 1985 to Apr 1986 and as Bn Comd 62 Inf Bn from Nov 1987 to Apr 1988. He was an observer with the UN Observer Gp in Central America (ONUCA).
He was an Instructor at the Cdt School in the early 1960s and he graduated from the US Army Inf Sch at Fort Benning in Georgia in 1964. As a Lieut Col he commanded 12 Inf Bn and he was EO Trg Sec at DFHQ. Later, as a Col, he was appointed D Trg Sec. He was Comdt Mil Col in 1994 and his final appointment was GOC S Comd.
Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dó.
Obituary Post 5 member Patsy Dineen – 24 May 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform our members of the death on 24 May 2025 of Patrick (Patsy) Dineen a former IUNVA National Assistant Chairperson and Chairperson of Post 5 Cork, late of 1 Fd Engr Coy and Onslow Gardens, Cork City and Mangerton Close The Glen, Cork. He passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in the presence of his loving family and in the exceptional care of the staff of CCU Ward in Cork University Hospital.
Dearly beloved husband of Margaret, loving father of Fiona, Stephen, Gavin, Andrea and Rebecca, devoted granda of Shay, Troy and the late Billy, loving son of the late Miah and Bridie, brother of the late Mary and uncle of the late Alan. Sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, family, brothers, sisters, daughters-in-law Tasha and Grace, brothers-in-law, 
sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of Comrades. Reposing at Coughlan’s Funeral Home, Shandon Street on Monday 26 May from 1000 hours, family in attendance from 1600 with Prayers at 1700. Requiem Mass on 27 May at 1100 in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree. Funeral afterwards to Rathcooney Cemetery.
Suaimhneas sioraí dá anam.
Comdt John Gleeson (Retd) – 19 May 2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 19 May 2025 of Comdt John Gleeson (Retd), Celbridge, Co Kildare and formerly of Thurles, Co Tipperary. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in the excellent care of the staff at Mater Private Hospital, Dublin. Beloved husband of Jackie and adored father of Suzie, Mark and Alicia, and a cherished grandad of Cillian, Cían, Caelan, Luke and Max. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Michael. Deeply missed by his loving wife, son, daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law Mark and Kavan, daughter-in-law Meghan, brothers Brian, Brendan, Dermot and Ken, sisters Mairéad, Valerie, Barbara and Helen, best friend Gerry, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, Defence Forces comrades and friends.
He enlisted in DF as a Cdt with 50 Cdt Class in Nov 1973 and he was posted to 5 Inf Bn on commissioning in Dec 1974. He later served with 27 Inf Bn, the AC, 4 Inf Bn and 20 Inf Bn FCA. He served with UNIFIL as 2 IC A Coy, 72 Inf Bn from Nov 1992 to Apr 1993
Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Celbridgeon 23 May, with buriel in Donacomper Cemetery.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis
Obituary Michael Butler – 26/04/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 26 Apr 2025 of Michael Joseph Butler, formerly of Kells, Co Meath and Greenane, Co Wicklow.
Past National Secretary and National Chairperson of IUNVA. Michael passed away at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, Co Westmeath with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Lelia, infant son Paul and beautiful grandson Sean. Sadly missed by his loving daughters Anne, Colette and Pauline, grandchildren Peter, Cian, Ciarán, David, Eoin and Kate, brother Bill, sons-in-law Mick and Andy, partner Stephen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on 29 Apr in the Church of the Sacred Heart Arbour Hill followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Obituary Extract – Irish Times Michael O’Brien – 22/04/2025
From PRO IUNVA
The attached extracts are from the Irish Times obituary for Congo veteran. Michael O’Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. He was a former member of 12 Inf Bn and a former Lord Mayor of Clonmel. The obituary was published on 3 May 2025.
Michael completed two tours of duty in the Congo, with B Coy 1 Inf Gp from May to Nov 1961 and with B Coy 37 Inf Bn from May to Nov 1962. He served in Cyprus with B Coy 9 Inf Gp from Oct 1967 to Mar 1968.
Born September 27th, 1933, Died April 22nd, 2025.
The graphic description that Michael O’Brien gave of the sexual abuse he suffered as a child in an industrial school – on RTÉ’s Questions & Answers in 2009 – turned the former mayor of Clonmel into a national hero overnight. He was on the programme following the publication of the Ryan report on clerical abuse. The Clonmel man, who died last month, had been one of the thousands of complainants whose testimonies were heard by the commission. But rather than leave him with a sense of justice being served, he explained how the commission’s adversarial approach led him to consider taking his own life following the five days of questioning………..
O’Brien joined the Defence Forces in 1952 and served at the Kickham Barracks in Clonmel for the following six years. He rejoined the Army in 1960 and did two tours of UN peacekeeping duty in the Congo and one in Cyprus. Following his time on duty abroad, O’Brien returned to Ireland, remaining in the Clonmel barracks for the rest of his years with the Defence Forces. He left as a corporal in 1981. He later worked for Clonmel Chemicals for a short period before working for the State in customs and excise, supervising alcohol production at Showerings in Clonmel.
Post 24 provided an honour guard at his funeral at St Patricks Cemetery Clonmel on 24 Apr 2025.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis agus suaimhneas síoraí i measc na naomh dó.
Obituary Former RSM Denis Hayden- 10/03/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 10 Mar 2025 of former RSM Denis 
Hayden, Ballymorris Rd, Portarlington, Co Laois and late of Dep MP Corps, The Curragh Camp, Co Kildare. He passed away peacefully in his 94th year at Suncroft Lodge Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret (Madeline) son Denis (Jazzy), his parents & sisters. Sadly, missed by his loving family, sons Francis, Philip and Martin, daughters Marion, Carmel and Yvonne, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, sons-in-law Pat and John, daughters-in-law Charlotte, Valerie, Liz and Una, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.
Reposing at Anderson & Leahy’s Funeral Home, Henry Street, Newbridge, on Tuesday 11 Mar from 1600 with prayers at 1900. Removal on Wednesday morning 12 Mar at 1030 to arrive at St. Brigid’s Garrison Church, The Curragh for Requiem Mass at 1100. Denis’s mass will be livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/TheCurraghChurch/. Burial afterwards to St Michael’s Cemetery, Portarlington, Co Offaly.
Síocháin síoraí dá anam uasal.
Obituary former Pte Larry Geraghty- 25/01/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 25 Jan 2025 of former Pte Laurence (Larry) Geraghty, Suncroft and late of Piercetown, Newbridge and the Transport Corps, Clarke Bks The Curragh Camp. He passed away peacefully at his home. Sadly missed by his loving wife Peggy, sons and daughters Mary, Martha, Yvonne and Laurence, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, Ann and Phil, brothers Tony, Peter and Michael, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on 01 Feb 2024 at St Conleth’s Parish Church, Newbridge with burial afterwards in St Conleth’s Cemetery, Newbridge.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis.
Obituary Congo Veteran Joe Boland – 16/01/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 16 Jan 2025 of Joseph (Joe) Boland, Curragh View, Brownstown, The Curragh, formerly of Killygordon, Co Donegal and late of Dep Engrs, McDermott Bks, Curragh camp. He passed away peacefully in Naas hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his loving wife Molly. Sadly missed by his loving family, Jenny, Billy, Terry, Angie & Paul, sons and daughters in law, grandchildren, Sinéad, Sarah, Wayne, Daniel, Ian, Rachel, Terry, Céire and Ellie, great-grand-children Lucy, Tanner, Scott, Charlie, Leo and Sophie, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass was held on Monday 20 Jan 2024 at St. Brigid’s Church, The Curragh for 11am Mass. Burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery, Suncroft.
He served with HQ Coy, 36 Inf Bn in the Congo.
Solas geal na bhflaitheas dá anam.
Obituary Jimmy Coyle – 10/01/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 10 Jan 2025 of Jimmy Coyle, Yellowbatter, Drogheda, Co Louth and late of 30 Inf Bn, Stephens Bks, Kilkenny. Jimmy passed away suddenly, he was predeceased by his dad Eamonn, brothers Danny and Stephen and niece Tayna. Sadly missed by his Mum Kitty, sister Annette and Yolanda, brothers Shane and Roy, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, extended family and a large circle of friends.
Funeral Mass was held on 18 Jan 2025 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church Drogheda, Co. Louth with burial afterwards in St Peter’s Cemetery.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Obituary Retired Cpl Tommy Rennick – 11/01/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 11 Jan 2025 of former Cpl Thomas (Tommy) Rennick, Henry Lane, Newbridge, Co Kildare and late of AMC, Curragh Camp. He passed away peacefully at home. Father of the late Thomas. Sadly missed by his loving daughter Deb, son Trevor and their mother Geraldine, grandchildren, son in law Dwayne, daughter in law Laoighse, brothers John-Bunjie (Rip), Ian (Rip), Niall, Timmy and Freddy, sisters Vanessa and Marina, brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and army colleagues.
Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Brigid’s Garrison Church, Curragh on 18 Jan 2024. Cremation service after in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.
I measc na naomh go raibh sé.
Obituary Retired CQMS Simon Devereux – 06/01/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 6 Jan 2025 of retired CQMS Simon Devereux, Glen Abhainn Ave, Enfield Co Meath and late of the Ord Corps and PDFORRA. Father of the late Mark. Sadly missed by his wife Susan, his children Simon, Robert, Anthony, Louise, Alan and Laura. Deeply regretted by his sisters and brothers, Margaret, Kathleen, John, Tom, Frances and Teresa and the late Mary and Eileen, daughter-in-law Lorraine, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended family, and a large circle of friends and former colleagues.
Requiem Mass was held on Thursday 9 Jan in the Church of the Assumption, Jordanstown, Enfield with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Simon was from Newtown, Wellingtonbridge, Co Wexford and he joined the DF at the Curragh Training Camp in Dec 1974. He served initially with 1 Grn Ord Coy and he was transferred to 4 Grn Ord Coy in Athlone in 1978. He was elected as Deputy Gen Sec of PDFORRA in 2002. He retired in Oct 2014.
He completed two tours of duty with UNIFIL, in 1980 and in 1982.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis
Obituary Retired Sgt John Doyle – 05/01/2025
From PRO IUNVA
With sadness we inform members of the death on 5 Jan 2025 of retired Sgt John Doyle Lerr Road, Abbeylands, Castledermot, Co Kildare formerly of Crandoon, Ballitore, Athy and late of 3 Inf Bn, The Curragh Camp. He passed away peacefully, in the loving care of the staff of St. Brigid’s Hopsice, The Curragh. He was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret and daughter Mary. Deeply regretted by his loving children Ita, John, Martin and Mairead, sisters Ita and Lily, sons-in-law Dermot and Conor, grandchildren Odhran, Saoirse, Donnacha, Éabha and Eoghan, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
His funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday 8 Jan2024 at the Church of Ss Mary & Laurance, Crookstown and he was buried in the adjoining Cemetery.
Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dó.
