News
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY – PORTLAOISE
The Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony to mark the 97th anniversary of the first transatlantic east-to-west flight was held at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois on Sunday 12 Apr 2025. In 1927, ten unsuccessful East-West transatlantic attempts were made and seven lives were lost.
On Thursday, 12 Apr 1928, a German Junkers W33 plane, named the Bremen, crossed the Atlantic from east to west. The aircraft took off from Baldonnel Aerodrome at 0528, and landed at Greenly Island in Labrador over 36 hours later. The aircrew were Col James Fitzmaurice, who was a native of Portlaoise, and two German aviators, Capt Hermann Koehl and Baron von Huenefeld.
The wreath laying ceremony was jointly coordinated by the Col James Fitzmaurice Commemorative Society, the Air Corps and Laois Co Council. IUNVA Post 27 has assisted and participated in this ceremony for a number of years and this is just one example of how IUNVA operates for the public benefit.
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All photos credit Michael Thompson.
Parade to mark 47th Anniversary of UNIFIL
On 19 Mar 2025, the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieut Gen Aroldo Lázaro addressed a special parade to mark 47 years of UNIFIL’s presence in Lebanon. In his speech he said: “March 19th, 1978, the United Nations Security Council passed resolutions 425 and 426, establishing UNIFIL to help restore peace and stability in southern Lebanon. What was originally meant to be a temporary deployment has proven to be a long-term commitment, showing how vital international support remains for peace in this region. Peacekeepers from 48 different countries serve under UNIFIL’s flag, carrying out their duties on land, at sea, and in the air. We have forged strong ties with local communities and worked closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces, helping them enhance security and stability. But this mission has come with a heavy price. Today, we pay tribute to all who have served and honor the memory of the 339 peacekeepers who have given their lives for this cause.
Since October 7th, 2023, the situation has become even more complex, requiring resilience and adaptation. Our mission remains unchanged to support stability and implement resolution 1701. Before hostilities, the region had been stable for 18 years, but the escalation of September last year has left villages in ruins and people displaced. Recovery will be long and difficult. Our hearts are with those, here among you, who have lost loved ones and homes. With the understanding of the cessation of hostilities, we hope displaced families can soon return safely. We are entering a new chapter, working alongside the Lebanese armed forces to clear roads, make repairs, and remove explosives. Additionally, UNIFIL keeps committed on supporting to local communities, within our means and capabilities, through different activities with significant impact in the area. Supporting the new Government, we must ensure that the Lebanese Armed Forces, with the strong support of UNIFIL, remain the only security provider in the south, restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty. Successfully implementing resolution 1701 can only be achieved through our joint efforts, with UNIFIL and LAF working hand in hand to prevent escalations, maintain stability, and reinforce state authority in southern Lebanon. However, UNIFIL’s ability to support LAF effectively will depend on the backing of the Lebanese government and local authorities, whose cooperation is essential to ensure the mission can operate safely and efficiently in carrying out its mandate. This will take patience, but we are committed to achieving these objectives.
A return to stability will create conditions for addressing obstacles to peace. Through tripartite meetings, potentially with external partners, we can support to resolve Blue Line terrain disputes and advance towards lasting security. Despite challenges, UNIFIL stayed in position when asked to leave in September, reinforcing state authority. The Secretary-General and top leaders in Beirut have acknowledged our role, and we remain committed to easing tensions and fostering dialogue towards a permanent ceasefire. Today, as we commemorate this anniversary, we do not only look back on our achievements but also look forward with hope. Peace will return to Lebanon, and with determination and a shared commitment, we will keep moving toward that goal. Together, we can make it happen.”
Visit by GOC 2 Bde to Arbour Hill 27 March 2025
On 27 Mar 2025, Brig Gen Stephen Ryan GOC 2 Bde and BSM John Kennedy the BDE SM visited IUNVA HQ at Arbour Hill. Gen Ryan visited the refurbished Memorial Garden and met with Patsy Fagan the chief gardener, Gen Ryan complimented the gardening team for their award winning work.
Michael Dillon and George Kerton briefed our visitors on the history on the memorial and the recent work. Approximately 70 members from Post 1, Post 9, Post 20 and Post 21 assembled in the museum and Gen Ryan was thanked on behalf of the NEC for the support provided by 2 Bde personnel for the Congo Veterans ceremonies held at barracks in the Bde area.
He mingled with our veterans and he enjoyed light refreshments. Michael Dillon showed the pre construction archeological work for the Veterans Training Centre and, at the conclusion of the visit, he presented Gen Ryan with an IUNVA plaque.
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All photographs courtesy of Raymond Bissett PRO Post 1
Presentation of DSM
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.
DEATH OF PEACEKEEPER – UNMISS
On 7 Mar 2025, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) announced the death of one peacekeeper, a helicopter crewman, and the serious injuries of two others when a UN helicopter was fired on while conducting an evacuation operation in Nasir, in Upper Nile State. Twenty eight members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) were killed in the attack when UNMISS attempted to extract them from the area by air. It is not clear if the helicopter was hit in the air or if the attack took place while it was still on the ground.
The nationality of the UN casualties has not been disclosed but it is possible that the helicopter was a MI 17 1V operated by the Rwanda Air Force.
New Chief of Staff
On 4 Mar 2025 the government announced that Brig Gen Rossa Mulcahy, ACOS, is to be the new Chief of Staff of the DF. Gen Mulcahy joined the DF as a Cdt in Oct 1986 and he was commissioned as a Sigs Corps officer in May 1988. He completed three tours of duty with UNIFIL, his first UN service was as Asst Sigs Offr, 76 Inf Bn from Nov 1994 to Apr 1995. He deployed on a two year tour as an observer in Syria and Lebanon with UNTSO and was SIO and Deputy Key Leader Engagement Br at NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. We extend best wishes to Gen Mulcahy in his new appointment.
News
Death of Gahanian UN Peacekeeper Lebanon
On 14 Feb 2025, a ceremony at Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut for WO1 George Ayim, a member of the Ghanaian contingent who died from cardiac arrest on 4 Feb 2025. UNIFIL Head of Mission and FC, Lieut Gen Aroldo Lázaro, along with representatives from the Lebanese Armed Forces the Ghanaian Embassy and UNIFIL’s Ghanaian Contingent, laid wreaths in his memory.
WO Ayim, was 47 years old, he had 22 years service and he deployed to Lebanon on 8 Sep 2024. He had previously served with UNIFIL in 2012 and 2018.
We extend condolence to his family and comrades.
News
Death of UN Peacekeeper in the Central African Republic
On Tuesday 11 Feb 2025, a member the Rapid Intervention Unit of the Tunisian contingent with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, (MINUSCA) was killed in an ambush by unidentified armed elements while on a long range patrol near the village of Zobassinda, in Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture close to the border with tChad and approximately 669 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bangui. The UN Secretary General, António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeeper, and to the Government and the people of Tunisia. The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been hit by a succession of civil wars, coups and authoritarian regimes since its independence from France in 1960. MINUSCA was established in Apr 2014 and it has an authorised strength of 14,400 military and 2,500 police personnel.
MONUSO 26 JAN 2025
On 27 Jan 2025, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed journalists at UN HQ in New York on the rapidly deteriorating security situation North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group made significant advanced against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). On 23 Jan 2025 M23 captured Sake, a strategic town 27 kilometres from Goma the provincial capital and Goma is under siege.
Two South African peacekeepers, three from the Malawian contingent and one Uruguayan from the UN’s Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) were killed since last Friday. A separate peacekeeping force, the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) deployed in the region in December 2023 and they also suffered fatalities in the fighting.
Mr Lacroix confirmed M23 is being supported in the Goma area by significant numbers of personnel from the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) and they are operating in eastern DRC.
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Finnish UNIFIL personnel injured 22 Jan 2025
On 23 Jan 2025, UNIFIL reported that three members of the Finnish contingent were “slightly injured” on Wed 22 Jan at 1350 and preliminary investigations suggest that this was caused by a controlled demolition of a house near Markaba in the Marjayoun district by the IDF. The casualties, who were part of Sector West’s Mobile Reserve, were evacuated to UNP 9-1 for medical treatment and they are reported as being stable.
New President for Lebanon
On 9 Jan 2025, Lebanon’s parliament elected Gen Joseph Aoun, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander as the 14th President of Lebanon after a two-year vacancy in the office. President Aoun, who was born in Jan 1964, joined LAF as a Cdt in May 1983 and he was appointed as LAF Comd in Mar 2017. Under Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian, the role of prime minister for a Sunni Muslim and of parliamentary speaker for a Shiite Muslim.
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Presentation of Congo Certificate
On 20 Dec 2024 the family of the late Pte Kevin Alcorn visited IUNVA HQ at Arbour Hill. Kevin who was from Glenealy, Co Wicklow, served in the Congo with HQ Coy, 33 Inf Bn from Aug 1960 to Jan 1961 and his home unit was 2 Fd Engr Coy. His sister, Ita and two nieces and a nephew were given a short briefing on the mission in the Congo and the tragic Niemba Ambush on 8 Nov 1960 when the DF suffered the highest death toll at a river crossing about twenty kilometres from Niemba Village in Katanga Province. Two of the victims were from Kevin’s home unit, Lieut Kevin Gleeson and Pte Michael McGuinn, one of the two members of the patrol who survived the ambush, Pte Thomas Kenny, was also from 2 Fd Engr Coy as was Pte Patrick Davis who was shot dead by a fellow soldier on the night of 10 Nov during an alert at Niemba Post. Kevin would have known all four very well from his service at home.
Michael Dillon, Chairperson, Post 1 welcomed the family and he read the special message for Congo veterans from Micheál Martin, Minister for Defence, Michael Thompson read the message from the COS, Lieut Gen Seán Clancy. The Certificate of Appreciation for Congo Veterans and replacement Peacekeepers Medal and Congo UN Medal were presented to the family. Ronnie Daly and Richard Armstrong gave briefings on the ONUC artifacts in the museum. Our thanks to Dave Rock and Michael Thompson for contacting the family and to all who helped with the visit.
Death of Deputy Force Commander – UNDOF
On 23 Dec 2024, Brig Amitabh Jha (India) who had been Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF in Golan Heights from 14 Apr 2023 and who was Acting FC and HOM passed away from natural causes. Brig Jha had previous UN service with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) as a Military Observer from 2005 to 2006.
We extend our condolences to Brig Jha’s family and to his comrades and fellow peacekeepers.
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On 15 Nov 2024, Sgt Fany Claudin, a member of the French UNIFIL Contingent lost her life in a road traffic accident as logistic convoy was driving to UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura on the coastal road, near the village of Shama.
Three other French peacekeepers suffered light injuries in the accident. UNIFIL medical personnel and Lebanese Red Cross attended to the casualties at the scene.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and comrades of the deceased and we wish a speedy and full recovery of those who were injured.
Welcome Home – Chalk 1 124 Inf Bn
Defence Forces PR Branch photos of the arrival of 90 pers from 124 Inf Bn from UNIFIL after a very challenging tour of duty.
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Malaysian peacekeepers injured near Sidon, South Lebanon
In a media release issued on 7 Nov 2024 by the Malaysian Minister for Defence, Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin said that six personnel from the Malaysian Battalion 850 (Malbatt 850) who were arriving on rotation to UNIFIL were injured following a drone strike near Sidon Stadium while in transit to South Lebanon.
One of the injured suffered a suspected fracture of the left arm, and the other personnel suffered minor injuries. The casualty with the arm injury was taken to Hamood Hospital in Sidon for treatment by the Malbatt Medical Officer. The other casualties were treated at the scene by Malbatt medical personnel and the Lebanese Red Cross before they continued their journey to Marakah Camp UNP 2-1.
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The 2024 Annual General Convention was held in Custume Bks, Athlone. 5/10/2024
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Book Launch
The book “Only a Soldier Knows” by Lieut Col Ray Lane (Retd) a former Ord Corps officer will be at 1830 hours on Thursday 26 Sep 2024 at Barker and Jones book shop, 2 Poplar Square, Naas East, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 A7KP.
The UN Summit of the Future
United Nations Summit of the Future will take place in New York on 22 and 23 Sep 2024 and it will bring together world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future. This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively achieve agreed goals and tackle emerging threats and opportunities.
Pic 1. A view of the statue, “Let Us Beat Swords into Ploughshares”, by Evgeny Vuchetich.. The sculpture depicts the figure of a man, holding a hammer aloft in one hand and a sword in the other hand, hammering the sword into a ploughshare, a tool to till land for crops. This action symbolizes man’s desire to put an end to war and transform tools of destruction into tools to benefit mankind.
The Book of Isaiah contains the following passage: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
The sculpture was gifted to the United Nations by the USSR on 4 Dec 1959 and it is the North Garden of UN Headquarters.
Statement issued by the Spokesman for UN Secretary. Ref Gaza
DEFENCE FORCES TRIBUNAL
In response to feedback received, the DF Tribunal’s legal team has prepared an online document that addresses Frequently Asked Questions.
The FAQs are available at HERE
Visit of An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD to IUNVA HQ 19 June 2024.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr Paul Murphy CF An Céad Cathlán Coisithe , Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Galway who suffered serious stab wounds in an attack on Thursday 15 Aug outside the Bks in Renmore.
We wish Fr Paul a speedy recovery and return to full health.
We commend the prompt actions by the duty personnel in preventing a tragedy and in detaining the assailant.
Visit of An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD to IUNVA HQ 19 June 2024.
Congo Certificate of Appreciation Lieut Col Kelly (Retd) RIP
On 11 Jun, Post 25 presented the Congo Veterans Certificateof Appreciation to Brigid Flavin, the partner of the late Lieut Col Ken Kelly who was a Post member and who served with 2 Inf Gp on the Congo.
Ken passed away after a short illness on 8 May and his month’s mind mass was held in Youghal, Co. Cork on 11 Jun 2024.
Death of UNIFIL Peackeeper – Lebanon 24/11/2023
On 24 Nov 2023, a ceremony was held at Rafik Hariri International Airport Beirut for Master Sgt Tomasz Fąfara of UNIFIL’s Polish contingent who died on 21 Nov at UNP 2-45 Camp Shamrock HQ of the Irish – Polish Bn from natural causes. Tributes were led by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieut Gen Aroldo Lázaro.
We extend our condolences to Master Sgt Fąfara’s family and to his comrades in the Polish contingent.
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May he Rest in Peace.
On Wednesday 22 Nov 2023, Charles Flanagan TD and Cathal Berry TD who are members of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence visited IUNVA HQ. They received briefings at the Church of the Sacred Heart, the 1916 graves, the IUNVA Memorial Garden and a comprehensive briefing on IUNVA. Deputy Flanagan laid a wreath at the memorial.
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The photographs of the visit were taken by Michael Thompson, National Welfare Officer.
The 2023 Annual General Convention was held in Arbour Hill Church hosted by Post 1 IUNVA.
14/10/2023
Highlights of Veterans Day 2023
We congratulate personnel from the Army Ranger Wing, the Air Corps and the Naval Service for the successful multi-agency operation in seizing the MV Matthew off the south coast. Their courage, skills and professionalism in the service of the State brought great credit to Óglaigh na hÉireann.
Death of UNIFIL Peackeeper – Lebanon 04/08/2023
Funeral service at Beirut Airport on 4 Aug 2023 for Warrant Officer Abubakari Ibrahim from Ghana, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident on 27 Jul.
We extend condolences to his family and comrades.
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Post 5 IUNVA Mass, Killeagh, County Cork on 7th July 2023
Members of Post 5 IUNVA attend at Mass with Trooper Shane Kearney in his home town of Killeagh, County Cork, on 7th July 2023.
We wish Shane all the best for the future.
Sean Rooney was in everyone’s thoughts on the evening, May he Rest in Peace.
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NATIONAL DAY OF COMMEMMORATION COLLINS BKS CORK SATURDAY 9 JUL 2023
The National Day of Commemoration commemorates all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. It is held on the Sunday nearest July 11, the anniversary of the date in 1921 that a truce was signed ending the Irish War of Independence.
The Department of An Taoiseach is arranging a complimentary shuttle bus service to transport participants in the ceremony from Kent Train Station Cork to and from Collins Bks Cork for the ceremony. All participants are being encouraged to use public transport as limited parking will be available at Collins Bks.
Anzac Day Sydney 2023
On ANZAC Day, 25 Apr 2023, the United Irish Ex-Services Association marched in Sydney, Australia. Relatives of two of those who fought at Jadotville in the Congo in Sep 1961 were invited to parade with the Irish military veterans. Martin O’Connor (Melbourne), who was a son of the late Sgt Thomas O’Connor, one of the seven cavalrymen from the Armd Car Gp 35 Inf Bn, and his daughter along with Geraldine Armstrong (New Zealand) a daughter of the late Pte Gerald Hennelly A Coy 35 Inf Bn were in the parade and they proudly wore their fathers’ medals.
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Thomas O’Connor was a native of Kilcash, Clonmel, Co Tipperary and Gerald Hennelly was from Seefin, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
‘Women of Honour Review’
Following the publication of this review, if you have been affected in any way by issues raised in the contents of this release, please see the following information.
Additional support Information for Defence Forces personnel, both serving and retired, who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour
For those members, both serving and former members, who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour, the following supports continue to be available:
The independent and external Confidential Contact Person (CCP) with Raiseaconcern can be contacted using the following:
Landline 01 6107929
Mobile: 086 0299929
Email: defence@raiseaconcern.com
Post: Raiseaconcern, Station, House, The Waterways, Sallins, Co. Kildare W91 DN60
The 24/7 confidential counselling service, INSPIRE is available to all individuals who avail of the CCP facility. Callers should mention “Defence Forces” when they call and they will be routed to the appropriate person.
To access INSPIRE, please call 1800 409-673.
Personnel serving overseas can access the service using 00-353-1-685-681.
The Personal Support Service (PSS) for serving members. The PSSO and Occupational Social Worker network in each Brigade/Formation supports serving personnel and their families in times of crisis and general difficulty. Services include provision of a wide range of information and advice, stress management, counselling and referral to specialist assistance.
The Chaplaincy Service provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to serving personnel at home and overseas. You should contact your local chaplain in this regard.
For those affected by sexual crimes, they should contact Garda National Protection Services Bureau
Number: 01 6663430/35:
e-mail: gnpsb@garda.ie
The Rape Crisis Centre operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 for those who need support in any part of the country www.drcc.ie
Post 27 – Event
On Sunday 12 Mar 2023, members of Post 27 Portlaoise joined the congregation of Ballinakill and Knock Parish, in Co Laois in the Kildare and Leighlin diocese to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of Fr Seán Conlon at the Irish College in Rome in 1963. Bishop Denis Nulty officiated at the mass.
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Fr Seán served as a chaplain in the Curragh for many years and he served in Lebanon with 46 Inf Bn (Nov 1979 – Apr 1980), 51 Inf Bn (May to Oct 1982) and 56 Inf Bn (Nov 1984 to Apr 1985). We congratulate Fr Seán on his anniversary and we salute his service at home and overseas where he shared in the risks and rigours of peacekeeping in volatile and most challenging times.
Visit to DFTC
Two members of the Irish Guards Association (Ulster Branch) paid a visit to personnel on the Platoon Sergeants Battle Course DFTC Curragh Camp on 06 March 2023. Bryan Phillips (Irish Guards Association) was invited to give a talk to the course on the life changing injuries he sustained while on active service in Afghanistan.
Also on hand to give presentations were Michael Thompson National Welfare Officer IUNVA and John Murray Deputy President IUNVA
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OPEN DAY
Post 3 IUNVA
An open day was held recently by Post 3 IUNVA Gorey.
The Open Day received a huge amount of interest, both from those who had served overseas and their family and those who were curious to learn more about the veterans.
Photo: Michael Thompson, Bill Ward, Charlie Mott, Edward Fisher, Patrick Brady, William Gilbert, Matt Kavanagh, Jim Gilbert, Charlie Mann, Michael Keegan, Bernard Manning.
Photo Credit: Jim Campbell.
Ceremony for the Placement of the ashes of Maj Gen Vincent Savino (Retd)
IUNVA attended the ceremony held on Saturday 18 Feb at Kilternan Cemetery Park, Ballycorus Road Kilternan Dublin 18.
Gen Savino was one of the founding fathers of the Association and he was the first National President.
May he Rest in Peace
Press Release
From DOD
Published on 26/01/2023
Address by Micheál Martin TD – Tánaiste – Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence
UNP 2-45 UNIFIL Thursday, 26 January 2023
Click here for the full transcript.
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New Constitution - IUNVA
A new Constitution was adopted and ratified by an EGC on 10 December 2022.
To view the contents of the document please click this link
New Appointments
We would like to announce the National Delegates have elected Major General Kieran Brennan (Retd) as our new National President. Kieran replaces Major General Savino (Retd) RIP who sadly passed away in August 2022.
Supporting the President will be John Murray RSM (Retd) as the new Vice-President
The 2022 Annual General Forces Remembrance Ceremony
The ceremony took place on Wednesday 16 November 2022 at the National Memorial, Merrion Square, Dublin. The ceremony commemorates members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who died in service in the past year.
This event complements the existing barrack level ceremonies that take place in installations across the country in the first week of November. Michel Colton, President Post 1, laid the wreath on behalf of IUNVA.
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The 2022 Annual General Convention was held in Clonmel hosted by Post 24 IUNVA.
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National Day of Commemoration 2022
Taoiseach and Chief of Staff visit troops in Lebanon
On 28 May, An Taoiseach, the Minister for Defence and COS visited Irish personnel who are serving with UNIFIL to mark the International day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
During his visit, the visiting party met with Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, Maj Gen Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz.
An Taoiseach laid a wreath at a memorial ceremony in Tibnine in memory of the 47 members of the Defence Forces who lost their lives serving in Lebanon (46 died while serving with UNIFIL and 1 UNTSO observer). The party were briefed at UN Position 2-45 and viewed the Blue Line.
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Photos credit DF PR Branch
Ceremony Collins Bks, Cork Takeover of Victoria Barracks May 1922
On 18 May 1922, troops from the National Army under the command of Capt Hugo McNeill took over Victoria Bks and the Hutments Camp. On the same day, Ballincollig Bks, Belmont Hutments Camp, Cat Fort Cork, Elizabeth Fort Cork, Queenstown Military Hospital, Youghal Bks, Youghal Rifle Ranges and Government House Cork were also taken over.
To mark the centenary, the DF held a ceremony and open day at Collins Bks.
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Photos credit DF PR Branch
Centenary Ceremony Takeover of Portobello Barracks 1922
On 17 May 2022, the DF marked the centenary of the takeover of Portobello Bks, Rathmines in Dublin from British forces in 1922. In 1952, the Bks was renamed as Cathal Brugha Bks on the 30th anniversary of the death of Cathal Brugha, the Minister for Defence in the first Dáil.
The Bks was the HQ of the National Army during the Civil War.
The Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, the COS, Lt Gen Sean Clancy and the Secretary General DOD attended the ceremony.
Photos of the ceremony and historic photos – credit DF PR Branch.
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Centenary Takeover of Baldonnell Aerodrome 3 May 1922
Today the Air Corps marked the centenary of the takeover of Baldonnell Aerodrome from the Royal Air Force on 3 May 1922.
The airbase was used by the RAF from 1917.
In 1965, it was renamed as Casement Aerodrome (Aeradróm Mhic Easmainn) in honour of Roger Casement who was executed in 1916.
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Photos credit DF PR Branch.
Commemoration of Centenary of the Takeover of Dundalk Barracks
From PRO IUNVA
On Wednesday 13 Apr 2022, 27 Inf Bn marked the centenary of the takeover of the Military Barracks in Dundalk from the departing British Forces.
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At 1400 hours on 13 Apr 1922, Frank Aiken, commander of 4 Northern Div, took over the Barracks, his son Frank Aiken, made a speech to commemorate the centenary. The Bks was renamed in 1986 in honour of Frank Aiken.
Photos credit DF PR Branch
CPR – Defibrillator Course Post 9 Drop In Centre Athlone 18/2/22
Course held in Post 9 Drop in Centre, Athlone given by Gerry O’Malley from Heart Safety Solutions. Also gave out the new defibrillator purchased by IUNVA for the following Posts Post 11, Post 21, Post 24 and Post 25. A total of 12 Veterans on the course and very positive feedback from the members attending course. They received very detailed demonstrations and carried out CPR and the operation of the defibrillator.
Many thanks to Peter Philips of Post 9 for hosting this event, to Michael Thompson for organising yet another great training course. Also, thanks to Gerry O’Malley for his expert knowledge, and for his patience and answering all questions, and listening to some of the experiences of the participants.
Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, Spain - Head of Mission and Force Commander UNIFIL
05 February 2022.
The United Nations announced the appointment of Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz of Spain as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Major General Lázaro Sáenz succeeds Major General Stefano Del Col of Italy.
Major General Lázaro Sáenz has had a long and distinguished career in the Spanish Army, currently serving as Adviser to the Ministry of Defence for Defence and Security cross-cutting affairs. He has since 2000 served in EUROFORCE Headquarters (Florence), NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain (Valencia), Spanish Brigade “Guzmán el Bueno” (Cordoba) in three assignments, Brigade Commander, Regiment Commander and Chief of Staff.
Major General Lázaro Sáenz has a vast international experience and has been deployed to Peacekeeping Operations: three tours in Bosnia & Herzegovina under the command of the United Nations (UNPROFOR), NATO (SFOR) and the European Union (EUFOR) respectively; and three additional tours in UNIFIL as a Liaison Officer in Naqoura, Chief of Staff and Sector East Commander.
Major General Lázaro Sáenz is a graduate of the General Military Academy and Spanish Army General Staff College in Spain and has academic training in the field of diplomacy, peace and security.
In addition to Spanish, Major General Lázaro Sáenz speaks English, French and Italian.
Kilkenny commemorates James Stephens Barracks Handover
06 February 2022 – 3 Infantry Battalion, commemorated the handover 100 years ago of the handover from the British forces. The OC 3 Inf Bn, Lieut Col Declan Crummey, lead a parade of troops from Kilkenny Castle, through the city centre, to the barracks. They were accompanied by Band of No 1 Brigade. Personnel from IUNVA were present at the parade.
The barracks was originally built in 1802 and handed over by British Forces to members of the Kilkenny IRA under Brigadier George O’Dwyer on 7 February 1922.
Now home to the 3 Infantry Battalion, it was renamed as James Stephens Barracks in the 1960s in memory of the Kilkenny born Fenian leader and founder of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
Announcement
APPOINTMENT of MAJOR GENERAL KEIRAN BRENNAN - (RETD)
The National Executive Committee announce that Maj. Gen. Kieran Brennan (retd) has been appointed to the post of Vice President of IUNVA.
He has agreed to represent us at meetings with the Department of Defence and to assist us in any way that he can. He brings a wealth of experience which will be a great benefit to the association.
Retirement and Appointment – CEO - ONE
Ollie O’Connor retired from his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Organisation of National Ex Service Personnel, an appointment that he has held since 2006, before that, he was the Communications Officer for PDFORRA from 1997. IUNVA thanks Ollie for his dedicated work in support of all military veterans in their time of need and for his comradeship and assistance to the membership of IUNVA in advancing the interests of veterans.
We welcome his replacement as ONE CEO, Lieut Col Cormac Kirwan (Retd). Cormac joined the Army as a Cadet in 1988 and he served in the Cav Corps in DFTC and DFHQ. He served overseas with UNIFIL, KFOR, EUTM Somalia and MONUSCO. We wish Cormac every success in his new appointment.
Comdt Joe Fallon DSM (Retd) - 'Book Green Cap and Blue Beret'
Joe Fallon has recently published a book titled “Green Cap and Blue Beret” [ISBN:9781999616250]. His book provides an account of his family background and his service in the Defence Forces, covering both military and non-military events at home and overseas. He is donating the entire receipts from sales of his book to welfare homes for retired soldiers. Copies of the book at €20 plus postage are available from Hayesprint Publishing.
Contact Details: Main Street, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Phone: 065 7071125 Web: hayesprint.ie Email: info@hayesprint.ie