ObituaryBrig 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. Reposing at the Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. on Tuesday 27 May from 1700 to 1800. Requiem Mass at 1000 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 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.
