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Passing of Irish Aviation Historian AP (Tony) Kearns
Passing of Irish Aviation Historian AP (Tony) Kearns It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the sad news of the passing of AP (Tony) Kearns. Tony was one of Ireland’s leading aviation historians. Involved with Irish Air Corps history and heritage since the 1960s, Tony went
Antarctic Station – Named After Chilean Irish Founding Father – Reports Covid-19
On Monday the Chilean Army released a statement confirming that Covid-19 has reached the most southern continent on Earth: Antarctica. The report stated that 26 Chilean Army and ten contractors – stationed in the Antarctic research base General Bernardo O’Higgins Riquelme – showed symptoms of Covid-19. According to the
New Mascot For Irish Guards
At a ceremony at Wellington Barracks on Thursday, the Irish Guards welcomed the arrival of their new Irish Wolfhound mascot, Turlough Mór (Séamus). The six month old Regimental Mascot was acquired from his breeder in North Yorkshire in late October. As with the 16 mascots before him, he is
Operation Deadlight
During the Battle of the Atlantic the U-boat menace had plagued Allied shipping. As early as 1944 the British government had begun to draw up plans for the destruction of the German U-boat force following the end of the war. Following Allied victory in Europe, 156 U-boats surrendered either
On This Day in 1963 America’s loss was Ireland’s Loss
On This Day in 1963 America’s loss was Ireland’s Loss By Declan Brennan President John F. Kennedy was a great-grandson of Patrick Kennedy of Dunganstown, New Ross, Co Wexford, who emigrated to the United States in 1848 when he was 25. As a young man Patrick worked in Cherry’s
President Lays Wreath Commemorating Bloody Sunday
President Lays Wreath Commemorating Bloody Sunday Yesterday evening, at the invitation of the GAA, President Michael D. Higgins laid a wreath in Croke Park to commemorate the death of 14 people killed while attending a football match between Dublin and Tipperary on 21 November 1920. Speaking about the event,
Speaker William Conolly Summer School Launched
Speaker William Conolly Summer School Launched Congratulations to our partner programme in launching their inaugural summer school in these restrictive times. The Speaker William Conolly Summer School aims to explore, discuss and appreciate the complexity of Irish identity, diversity, and reconciliation in all its manifestations and interpretations. It has
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday Updated: 22:44 8 November 2020 Sadly due to prevailing Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, the traditional Choral Service of Remembrance at The National Cathedral of St. Patrick in Dublin, now in its 101st year, must be conducted without the attendance of any congregation. The 2020 Remembrance Sunday Evensong
60th Anniversary of Niemba Ambush
Photographs: Defence Forces Press Office On 27 July 1960, Ireland deployed the 32nd Infantry Battalion to support peacekeeping operations with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (Opération des Nations Unies au Congo, ONUC). The 33rd Infantry Battalion soon followed boarding U.S. Air Force Globemasters in Casement Aerodrome on
New Crest For NIUAS
New Crest For NIUAS Congratulations to the Northern Ireland Universities’ Air Squadron (NIUAS) on the approval of their new crest. Five years ago NIUAS designed a new crest and submitted for approval. The beautiful crest has a crown on top with a harp and book in the centre with
Happy Birthday Irish Defence Forces
Happy Birthday Irish Defence Forces Wishing the Irish Defence Forces a happy 96 birthday. Under the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923 the Executive Council formally established Óglaigh na hÉireann – the Irish Defence Forces on 1 October 1924. Its predecessor – the National Forces 1922/1924 – had been
Wexford Arnhem Veteran Honoured
Wexford Arnhem Veteran Honoured By People of Netherlands At a special Covid ceremony in Enniscorthy Castle on 18 September, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, HE Adriaan Palm (from Arnhem), honoured Wexfordman Mr. Sam Kendrick, the last known Irish veteran of the Battle of Arnhem, for his
New ‘Spectre’ PC-12s for the Air Corps
Yesterday the General Officer Commanding of the Irish Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’ Connor hosted the Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney TD, Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Ms Jacqui McCrum and the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM at the official unveiling
Round Table Discussion in the Somme Museum
Roundtable Discussion in the Somme Museum Spent a very enjoyable and engaging day in the Somme Museum discussing future projects supported by the Dep. of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht, focusing on Ireland and the Great War, and exploring Irish identity, diversity and reconciliation. Thank you to the museum
International Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day
Pipers, Buglers, Trumpeters, Cornet Players, Town Criers and Churches around the world took part in the important commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, better known as VJ Day: the day the war not only ended in the Pacific, but also the day the Second World
Two Kildare Veterans Tell Their Story
Two Kildare Veterans Tell Their Story Interview with Sergeant Sharon McNamara and Sergeant Major Billy Redmond On Friday 7 August we met up with two retired Kildare veterans to record their stories: Sergeant Sharon McNamara and Sergeant Major Billy Redmond.Sharon comes from a long line of military service with
Victory Over Japan
Victory Over Japan 75 years ago in the Summer of 1945, the war in the Pacific and Far East raged on. Offensive Japanese capability had all but been neutralised; an invasion of Japan was being planned. At Yalta the Allies discussed bringing the war to swiftly to an end.
Farewell Delta13Charlie
Farewell Delta13Charlie: We salute You It is with very heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Michael Coyne. Michael has been a huge supporter of our work along with his son Michel Coyne junior: our videographer. Our sincere condolences to his family and comrades.
Celbridge’s Victoria Cross
Celbridge’s Victoria Cross – Lieutenant Colonel John Augustus Conolly Project: Celbridge’s Military Story It as a real honour today to visit the graveside of Celbridge’s own Victoria Cross recipient at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin: Lieutenant Colonel John Augustus Conolly. Growing up in Celbridge I knew nothing of this
USS Indianapolis Honoured
In a virtual ceremony on 24 July, the United States Congress, awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, its highest honour, to all living and dead crew members of the USS Indianapolis (CL/CA-35); which was sunk by Japanese torpedoes 75 years ago on 30 July 1945. The ceremony was broadcast on
Ireland Deploys to Congo 60 Years Ago Today
Ireland Deploys to Congo 60 Years Ago Today 60 years ago today, Ireland deployed troops on its first battalion size United Nations deployment. The Congo became independent from Belgium on 30 June 1960, in turn triggering a sequence of destabilising events. The Belgian commander, Lieutenant General Émile Janssens, refused
Interview with Dr. Cathal Berry TD
Interview with Dr. Cathal Berry TD Project: Kildare’s Veterans’ Story Taking part in our Kildare’s Veterans’ Story project today was Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces veteran Dr Cathal Berry TD in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Cathal is an Independent TD for the constituency of Kildare South. Cathal is
Celbridge’s Lost Son – Private Robert Beveridge
Celbridge’s Lost Son – Private Robert Beveridge Over the past year and half we have been researching for our first project – Celbridge’s Military Story. This project has led us down history trails we never envisaged. A project by the History Squad in Scoil Na Mainistreach on Celbridge’s casualties
The National Day of Commemoration
The annual National Day of Commemoration took place today at 11:00a, today to commemorate all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. The principal ceremony was held in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin, with smaller events taken
Annual Ceremony of Commemoration and Wreath-laying
The Annual Ceremony of Commemoration and Wreath-laying took place today at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge. Due to Covid 19, restrictions were in place and a smaller ceremony was held in the Rose Garden.The event was arranged and led by the Royal British Legion Republic of
IUNVA Mark Peacekeepers’ Day
The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) today marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at Arbour Hill. The earlier planned annual commemoration to coincide with 29 May (UN Peacekeepers Day) was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Today’s event was in full compliance with Covid-19 guidelines. The International Day
Centenary of Connaught Rangers Indian Mutiny
Centenary of Connaught Rangers Indian Mutiny The Connaught Rangers ‘The Devils Own’ was a Irish regiment in the British Army, serving as Line Infantry from 1793 to 1922. It was formed after the amalgamation in 1881 of the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) and the 94th Regiment of Foot. Its
On the History Trail in the Glen of Imaal
Anyone who has served in the Irish Defence Forces will be very familiar with the Glen of Imaal in the heart of Wicklow. In typical military fashion every training exercise or time on the range in this area is marked with either cold lashing rain or relentless attacks by
Walking Dublin Bay’s Martello Towers
Walking Dublin Bay’s Martello Towers At 5:00am yesterday morning Peter Molloy headed off on his 26-mile walk along the coast of Dublin Bay from Bray to Howth. In aid of Waterloo Uncovered. Peter followed the trail of the remaining Napoleonic era Martello Towers. We joined him at Dalkey and
Waterloo Uncovered – Walking Dublin Bay’s Martello Towers
Waterloo Uncovered – Walking Dublin Bay’s Martello Towers The Battle of Waterloo 18 June 1815, is one of the most defining battles in world history. For the Emperor Napoleon: victory was everything. Facing him were two armies of the Seventh Coalition: consisting of units from the United Kingdom, the
Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace
Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace Today marks the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. It offers a chance to pay tribute to the uniformed and civilian personnel’s invaluable contribution to the work of the UN and to honour more than 3,900 peacekeepers who have lost their lives
German U-Boats Surrender in Northern Ireland
On 14 May 1945 HMS Hesperus, HMCS Theford Mines, and USS Paine escorted 8 German U-boats – under the command ofOberleutnant zur See Klaus Hilgendorf – sailed into Lough Foyle, en route to Londonderry. While such a sight a few months earlier would have sparked warning sirens this day
75th Anniversary Victory in Europe Day
75th Anniversary Victory in Europe Day On Monday 7 May 1945, General Alfred Jodl, Adolf Hitler’s military advisor, controller of German High Command and Chief of the Operations Staff, signed the surrender of all German forces in in Allied General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s headquarters, Rheims, France. A radio broadcast
Liberation of Sr Kate McCarthy – 75th Anniversary
Liberation of Sr Kate McCarthy – 75th Anniversary The 75th anniversary of World War II brought out thousands of stories from veterans, those that lived through it, and family descendants. A heroine nun from Cork is not the story you would expect to hear when talking about the French
ANZAC Day 2020
ANZAC Day 2020 Updated: 25 April 2020 The Australian Embassy in Ireland has confirmed that the annual ANZAC Day dawn service for 2020 at Grangegorman Military Cemetery will not go ahead this year due to Covid 19 restrictions. They ask all of you to stay home and stay safe.
Historic Moment for the Royal Irish
Historic Moment for The Royal Irish Regiment On St. Patrick’s Day, the new Regimental Flag was officially raised for the first time. It was designed with legacy and courage at its core; based on the Royal Ulster Rifles’ WWII shoulder flash. It is a symbol which is important to
New Jackals for Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry
New Jackals Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry first published: 27 February 2020 On 23 February members of B (North Irish Horse) Squadron, The Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry – who are paired with the Regular Army’s Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – marked the end of a 2-week course camp
The Emergency Air Corps
We had the pleasure today of meeting two of Ireland’s leading aviation historians – Corporal Michael Whelan (Museum Curator) and Tony Kearns (Volunteer historian) – at the Air Corps Museum, Casement Aerodrome. The Air Corps museum is a credit to the service. A dedicated team help record and preserve
Researching Military Records 1750s – 1860s
Researching Military Records 1750s – 1860s It was great to meet and talk to the genealogy students from University College Cork and University of Limerick about tracing Irish soldiers from the 18th and 19th century. The Irish in the American Revolution and American Civil War were two focused topics
Passing of Major General David O’Morchoe
Passing of Major General David O’Morchoe We share the sad news of the passing of Major General David O’Morchoe, CB, CBE, KLJ.Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Living in Tara Hill Gorey Wexford for many years. General O’Morchoe was born in 1928. A prominent figure in veteran’s
Glasnevin Honours Ireland’s Great War Fallen
Glasnevin Honours Ireland’s Great War Fallen Photos by Michael Coyne It was an honour to attend a poignant ceremony marking Armistice Day at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, yesterday. Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms Josepha Madigan TD; Councillor Gary Gannon, on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin;
Annual Remembrance Ceremony at Granegorman
Dignitaries, members of the Irish Defence Forces, veterans, family, and members of the public turned out in the rain today at Grangegorman Military Cemetery to remember those who served and lost their lives during the Great War. The annual remembrance event is co-hosted by the OPW and Claddagh Branch
Woodenbridge Great War Commemoration
It was an honour for Ireland’s Military Story/The Irish Military Heritage Foundation to be invited to the annual Great War commemoration in Woodenbridge, County Wicklow. In beautiful surroundings on the banks of the river Aughrim at Woodenbridge county Wicklow is the Woodenbridge World War One Memorial Park. The memorial
Sergeant Noel McGivern: retired Emergency and United Nations veteran with the Irish Defence Forces.
Sergeant Noel McGivern: retired Emergency and United Nations veteran with the Irish Defence Forces. Project: Dublin Port’s Emergency Story This week we had the pleasure of meeting Noel McGivern and his wife Patsy. Noel gave us a remarkable insight into life in the early Defence Forces. His father Daniel
Retirement of Air Corps Reims Rocket
First published 22 June 2019. Updated 7 October 2019. 21 June marked a significant day in Irish Air Corps history, after 47 years the Reims FR172H was stood down from operational service.These aircraft were purchased in 1972 for border surveillance operations & served in various roles since then from
Western Front Association Conference
Western Front Association Conference Thank you to the The Western Front Association for their hospitality on Saturday at their conference in Dublin Port. Our team at the event thoroughly enjoyed the day and the speakers’ contributionsThe conference examined the legacy and aftermath of the First World War.The event was
Cork’s Arnhem Victoria Cross: Flight Lieutenant David Lord
Cork’s Arnhem Victoria CrossFlight Lieutenant David Lord 75 years ago, Allied forces in Europe launched Operation Market Garden: an air and land operation derived to drive a 103km salient in German occupied Netherlands and establish a bridgehead over the River Rhine. Market Garden consisted of two sub-operations:Market – an
In Defence of North Kildare
Today we had the pleasure of meeting former reserve Corporal, Tony Maher from Celbridge. During the 1960s Tony was a member of Maynooth Platoon, C Company, 7th Infantry Battalion FCÁ. During the Emergency period (1939 – 1946) and the Cold War (1947 – 1991) Ireland remained neutral, however, the
Dublin Port’s Emergency Story: LDF Veteran – Oliver Joseph Doyle
Dublin Port’s Emergency StoryLDF veteran – Oliver Joseph Doyle As part of our newest project on Dublin Port during the Emergency (1939 – 1946) period we met today and interviewed Oliver Joseph Doyle from Stella Gardens, Irishtown, Dublin. Oliver who is 98, worked as a iron moulder, but during
Dublin Port’s Emergency Story
Dublin Port’s Emergency Story We are pleased to announce a wonderful project for the Dublin Port Company that will tell the story of the Emergency (1939 – 1946) in Dublin; in particular the defence of Dublin and the port. If you are a veteran or there is a veteran