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 grandfathers on both sides serving in
Irish Defence Forces
11 - August , 2020
Two Kildare Veterans Tell Their Story
27 - July , 2020
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 to rapidly ‘Africanize’ the officers’ corps
17 - July , 2020
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 a father, husband, doctor, veteran and
12 - July , 2020
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 place around the country. The event
11 - July , 2020
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 Ireland District with the co-operation and
01 - July , 2020
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 of United Nations Peacekeepers, offers a
20 - June , 2020
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 midges; meaning you don’t exactly get
29 - May , 2020
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 serving under the UN flag since
14 - May , 2020
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 was one of joy. These 8
16 - December , 2019
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 the military aviation heritage of Ireland.