Ireland's Military Story

Tag: Óglaigh na hÉireann

  • Ulster Tower Centenary Commemorated in France

    Ulster Tower Centenary Commemorated in France

    Ulster Tower Centenary Commemorated in France

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    Updated 13:07, 24 November 2021

    The centenary of the Ulster Memorial Tower was commemorated this morning in Northern France.

    Inaugurated on 19 November 1921, the Ulster Tower at Thiepval on the Somme commemorates the sacrifice of soldiers from Ulster and across the island of Ireland during the First World War. The Ulster Tower stands on the ground attacked at great cost by the 36th (Ulster) Division on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916.

    The combined musicians of the Bugles Pipes and Drums, Regimental Band of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Defence Forces 2nd Brigade Band, march on the standards provided by members of the Royal British Legion.

    This morning’s commemoration was attended by dignitaries including First Minister of Northern Ireland Paul Givan MLA, Ireland’s Minister of State Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for EU Affairs Thomas Byrne TD, British Ambassador to France Her Excellency Menna Rawlings and Counsellor at the Irish Embassy in Paris Owen Feeney. The service was led by Rt. Rev. Dr. David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; Rev. Dr. Sahr Yamhasu, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland; and The Most Revd. Francis John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh.

    The ceremony was supported by the Bugles, Pipes and Drums and the Regimental Band of the British Army’s Royal Irish Regiment and by the 2nd Brigade Band of the Irish Defence Forces. The military musicians were accompanied by mezzo-soprano and alto Emma Brown who sung You’ll Never Walk Alone.

    Following the ceremony First Minister Mr. Givan said: “It’s an honour for me to be here today on this historic occasion to mark 100 years of the Ulster Tower which memorialises the sacrifice that was made by the men of the 36th Ulster Division and remembers those who served from right across Ireland in the First World War.”

    “The connections with the Ulster Division and the Irish Division is something that we always need to remember, where people stood side by side irrespective of their religion or indeed their identity, whether they were British or Irish, they shed blood together here in the trenches and stood in common cause for the freedoms that we enjoy today.”

    Reiterating the importance of today’s commemoration Minister Thomas Byrne stated: “It is an honour to be here at the Ulster Tower. It is essential that we commemorate all those who died in battle during World War One, knowing that the soldiers that are commemorated here are from all nine counties of Ulster and many are from across the island of Ireland North and South fought in World War One and died in World War One. It is critical that we continue to honour their memories and to work always for peace and reconciliation both at home and indeed across the globe.

    Today’s event was organised by the Somme Association, based in Newtownards, County Down, who are responsible for the maintenance of the Ulster Tower.

    As the combined Royal Irish Regiment and Defence Forces bands marched from the Ulster Memorial Tower at the end of the centenary commemoration last week to the tune of On Raglan Road, it was a moment to reflect on the importance on the occasion. The Ulster Memorial Tower stands tribute to those from the province of Ulster, in particular to members of the 36th Ulster Division, who fought during the Great War and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today it is sacred ground.

    Ulster Tower Centenary Album

    Ulster Tower Memorial Centenary 19 November 2021 Thiepval , France, Photos by John O’Byrne
  • Recording Ireland’s Contribution to World Peace

    Recording Ireland’s Contribution to World Peace

    Recording Ireland’s Contribution to World Peace


    As part of a project to record Ireland’s contribution to world peace, we visited Post 11, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), in the Curragh Camp Co. Kildare. There we met and spoke with Irish Defence Forces veterans Company Quartermaster Sergeant Tony O’Reilly, Sergeant Major John Murray, and Sergeant Denis Gratten; who between them served on 34 missions around the world. Both John and Denis are Kildare men all their lives, while Tony came to the Curragh in 1974 from Waterford and has called it his home ever since.

    The three men have unique perspectives on service overseas due to their diverse skillsets including logistics, communications, and crime scene investigation. They served in missions such as: United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG); United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon; United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II); European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) Bosnia and Herzegovina; and with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. It was remarkable to hear the evolution of peacekeeping and overseas operations spanning almost 50 years.
    Even though retired the veterans of IUNVA are still giving back and helping in the local community and supporting veterans.

    IUNVA Post 11 veterans Tony O’Reilly, Denis Grattan, and John Murray. Photo by John O’Byrne.

    Thank you for your service.


    This project is supported by Kildare County Council Heritage Office, Creative Ireland, Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers.

  • Sergeant Matty Gardiner

    Sergeant Matty Gardiner

    Sergeant Matty Gardiner, 12th Infantry Battalion, Irish Defence Forces/Óglaigh na hÉireann

    Born in 1943, Matty is a retired Sergeant from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Irish Defence Forces/Óglaigh na hÉireann in Limerick. He comes from a large military family whose service dates back to their grandfather, George, who served and died with the Royal Munster Fusiliers in World War 1. His father, Peter, served in the fledgling Irish National Army and Defence Forces. At one time eleven members of his family were serving in the 12th Infantry Battalion at the same time. Matt too has a distinguished service at home and on United Nations service. Matty completed several Untied Nations tours of duty: 38th Infantry Battalion, ONUC (Opération des Nations Unies au Congo in the Congo) (1962-63), the 40th Infantry Battalion, UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) (1964), and with the 24th Infantry Group, UNFICYP (1973). Thank you to the Patrick Sarsfield Branch, Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel Ireland for their support in this production.

    • George Gardiner Royal Munster Fusiliers
    • Peter Gardiner, Irish National Army
    • Mathew Gardiner United Nations Peacekeeper
  • Veterans’ Support Recommences

    Veterans’ Support Recommences

    Veterans’ Support Recommences

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    As Covid restrictions ease, veterans support has recommenced in person. Coinciding with the anniversary of the Defence Forces on 1 October, The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE Ireland) invited veterans back to the much-loved coffee mornings in barracks and support centres throughout the country. The coffee mornings gives veterans a chance to meet, catch up and chat. They a very important part of support given by O.N.E. and the Defence Forces to veterans. We were delighted to attend the gathering in The Michael Collins Club, Cathal Brugha Barracks, where veterans honoured an old comrade.

    Former 2nd Infantry Battalion Sergeant & Olympic Gold Medallist, Michael Carruth, was conferred as an Honorary Member of the Cathal Brugha Branch O.N.E. Also in attendance was Private Seán Mari from 7th Infantry Battalion & the Monkstown Boxing Club. Seán represented Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces at the 58th CISM World Military Boxing Championship last week, reaching the quarter-finals and coming home with a Bronze Medal.

    Presentations of donations for this year’s Fuchsia Appeal were made by the 2nd Infantry Battalion Association and veterans now working in ESB Networks.

    Congratulations to all involved and please remember to support this year’s Fuchsia Appeal.

  • Appointment of Defence Forces Chief of Staff

    Appointment of Defence Forces Chief of Staff

    Appointment of Defence Forces Chief of Staff

    Photos courtesy of Defence Forces Press Office

    Yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney TD, appointed Lieutenant General Seán Clancy as the new Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy joined the Irish Defence Forces in 1984 as a cadet and commenced his flight training in 1986.

    He has flown both fixed and rotary wing aircraft and has accumulated nearly 5,000 flight hours. He is a qualified type and instrument-rating examiner, a qualified flight simulator instructor and has most recently held type, instrument and NVG ratings on the AW139. He spent a considerable period of his career as a Search and Rescue pilot and was the commander of the crew who received the Marine Medal for Meritorious Service in 2002.Lieutenant General Clancy has been a driver of change and a champion for innovation within the Defence Forces. He played a central role in the development of the Ireland’s first Emergency Aeromedical Service established in 2012. He has been a strong advocate for Leadership and was the co-author of the Defence Forces Leadership Doctrine published in 2016. He subsequently led the team who developed the current vision and values-based strategy for the Defence Forces post the publication of the White Paper on Defence.

    He has served in appointments including Squadron Commander, Wing Commander, Senior Staff Officer Operations, Senior Staff Officer Personnel, Chief of Air Staff Support in Air Corps Headquarters and Director of Strategic Planning Branch, Chief of Staff’s Branch, Defence Forces Headquarters. Prior to promotion he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) as well as General Officer Commanding, Irish Air Corps and Director of Military Aviation. He has served for a year with the European Union Force in Bosnia as the military advisor to the Force Commander and spent two years as a non-permanent member of SHIRBRIG, the UN standby Brigade.

    Lieutenant General Seán Clancy
  • 97 Years Defending Ireland

    97 Years Defending Ireland

    97 Years Defending Ireland – Irish Defence Forces 1924 – 2021

    Photos courtesy of Defence Forces Press Office

    Today the Irish Defence Forces(Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces) celebrates its 97th anniversary. On 1 October 1924, the Executive Council formally established Óglaigh na hÉireann – the Irish Defence Forces under the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923. The Defence Forces evolved from the National Army which had helped establish the democratic institutions of the new Free State: Saorstát na hÉireann.The past year has been a busy one for the Irish Defence Forces. The three services – Army, Air Corps and Naval Service – played a pinnacle role in the State’s fight against Covid-19. Throughout this time units continued to deploy personnel on security duties at home and on overseas service. Deployments this year included continued commitments to international peace and security in South Lebanon, Syria, and Mali to name but a few, along with undertaking a ECAT (Emergency Civil Assistance Team) operation in support of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to return Irish civilians from Afghanistan. The 75th anniversary of the ending of the Emergency and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Naval Service remined us of the commitment the men and women of the Defence Forces have played in defending and securing Ireland and its people.

    Thank you for your service

  • Veterans Charity Marks 70 Years

    Veterans Charity Marks 70 Years

    Veterans Charity Marks 70 years with Launch of 2021 Fuchsia Appeal

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    For 70 years Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel: O.N.E.) has supported veterans of the Irish Defence Forces. To mark this anniversary it launched this year’s Fuchsia Appeal at Dublin’s Mansion House, the very spot the organisation was formed in 1951.

    Since its inception O.N.E. has stood to its founding principles set out by General Costello. In a 1951 message to ex-servicemen he said:

    ‘It is important that we remember what brings us together – what interest we have in common. It is quite simply the common bond of past service in Ireland in her armed forces. We are old comrades in arms wishing to maintain and strengthen old associations and traditions’

    General Costello 1951

    The fundraising appeal is in aid of Defence Forces veterans who have experienced severe circumstances including homelessness, addictions, and mental health issues. The Fuchsia Appeal campaign will take place from 25 September until 1 October. Members and volunteers will sell fuchsia emblems to raise vital funds for veterans. O.N.E.’s current services cost in the region of €1 million annually and this will rise to €1.5M to adequately address the needs of veterans and to finance the associated services such as helping veterans obtaining permanent housing, access to mental health support and helping veterans re-integrate back into civilian life. O.N.E. assist Defence Forces Veterans with transitioning back into civilian life through the provision of accommodation and providing mental health resources, including help with addiction and peer support. The charity also aids veterans in their search for employment, sustaining permanent housing and has a 90% success rate of getting people who stay in O.N.E. homes back into mainstream living. O.N.E. operates four homes in Athlone, Dublin, Cobh (opening in October 2021), and Letterkenny providing for 54 veterans. A fifth home is planned for Cork City. The charity also runs 37 branches across Ireland, along with 15 support centres. O.N.E. provides 20,000 beds annually, has kept 1,000 veterans off the streets and 90% of veterans go on to have permanent housing.

    The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Alison Gilliland welcomed the veterans to the Mansion House Round Room. She applauded the charity for the work they do and the service of the veterans they support. Commenting on the launch of the Fuchsia Appeal, O.N.E. CEO Ollie O’ Connor, said: “We are delighted to launch our annual Fuchsia appeal which is particularly poignant as the charity was established 70 years ago here in the Mansion House. Since the charity’s inception in 1951, ONE has helped countless veterans get their lives back on track and without vital funds we would not be able to continue our efforts. “The aim of this fundraiser is to honour the many veterans who have served our country and now need our help to get back on their feet. The past 18 months have been profoundly difficult as the charity was forced to cancel the fundraiser last year due to the pandemic which had a significant effect on our income. The theme of this year’s Fuchsia Appeal is “Help O.N.E. make Ireland one of the best places to be a Veteran” and through our fundraising efforts, the goal is to continue expanding on the vital services of ONE and to generate more awareness and care for our veterans.”

    Officially launching the appeal, DCOS Support, Major General Seán Clancy said:

    “It is 70 years since ONE was formed, a wonderful organisation which provides support, comradeship and advocacy for our veterans. I am very honoured to launch the annual Fuchsia appeal and support this most worthwhile of charities. The past 18 months, in the midst of a global pandemic, has heightened the challenges faced by some of our former members. Óglaigh na hÉireann recognises the need to provide support to its retired servicemen and women who are part of our Defence Forces family. We are fully committed to helping ONE and their wonderful work in supporting our veterans”.

  • The QF 12-Pounder

    The QF 12-Pounder

    The QF 12-pounder and the Naval Gun Salute

    Photos by John O’Byrne


    We have been asked about the artillery pieces that took part in gun salute during the 75th anniversary of the Naval Service on 1 September. The guns are a QF 12-pounder 12-cwt. The Irish Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉireann) operate two saluting batteries: one on Dún Laoghaire East Pier and one on Spike Island in Cork Harbour.

    Members of the 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment manning the QF 12-pounder saluting batter on Dún Laoghaire East Pier.

    The photograph by John O’Byrne shows 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment firing a 21-gun salute to L.É. Samuel Beckett (P61) as she leaves Dún Laoghaire Harbour in honour of 75 years of the Irish Naval Service. The 3-inch QF 12-pounder 12-cwt were originally a naval gun produced by Armstrong Whitworth, Elswick in 1894. They served with several navies around the world on vessels and as part of coastal defence emplacements. The guns looked after by the gunners of the Defence Forces are in pristine condition for 100-year-old guns.

    The photograph by John O’Byrne shows 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment firing a 21-gun salute to L.É. Samuel Beckett (P61) as she leaves Dún Laoghaire Harbour in honour of 75 years of the Irish Naval Service. The Naval Gun Salute has a long tradition dating back centuries. The salute has evolved from when foreign naval vessels entered a foreign port or passed a foreign naval vessel and needed to demonstrate they were not hostile. Vessels would ‘clear their guns’ with blank charges to indicate they were empty and posed no threat. In return the saluted vessel or shore defence battery would do the same. By the 18th century a 21 round salute had become common with Royal Navy. The figure 21 comes from the ratio of 1:3 by 7. Naval vessels could only fire off one round compared to the 3 rounds a shore battery could. There are several citations for seven. Some state biblical reference while other state astronomical origins. Gun salutes consist of an odd number of rounds; the firing of an even number of rounds in the past was reserved for occasions of mourning. The 21-gun salute is the highest honour.

    A famous incident involving a naval gun salute misunderstood is recorded during the Spanish-American War 1898. On 20 June, the USS Charleston and three transport vessels approached Guam with the intention of capturing the island. Officials and the people of Guam took no notice and went about their business. The Charleston fired 13 rounds at the Spanish fort. Officials on the island believed the U.S. Navy had just rendered honours and prepared to return the salute. Little did they know they the USS Charleston was actually firing on them with live rounds. They had no knowledge the Spanish-American War had started on 21 April; some two months prior. They and Guam were soon guests of the United States.

  • Troopers Mark Cavalry Day

    Troopers Mark Cavalry Day

    Troopers Mark Cavalry Day

    Photos by John O’Byrne

    The Cavalry Corps is one of the oldest Corps in Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces. Each year the troopers come together at the Cavalry Memorial Garden, DFTC, to honour and remember their deceased members and the sacrifices made at home and overseas.

    Cavalry Day is traditionally held on the first Saturday of September.

    Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha

    Carpe Diem


  • Naval Service Marks 75 Years in Ireland’s Capital

    Naval Service Marks 75 Years in Ireland’s Capital

    Naval Service Marks 75 Years in Ireland’s Capital

    Photos by John O’Byrne


    75 years ago today – 1 September 1946 – the Irish Naval Service was formally established as an arm of the Irish Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉireann). The Naval Service is the Irish State’s principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. From the early days of the three lonely Flower-class corvettes – L.É. Cliona, Maev and Macha – the Irish Naval Service has evolved to a modern sophisticated national maritime defence and security agency with a responsibility for an area of some 141,000 square nautical miles.
    Over its 75 years’ service, the Naval Service has carried out such duties as arms and drug interdiction, search and rescue, and fishery protection. Naval Service personnel have deployed on overseas missions with their Army and Air Corps counterparts, not to mention its recent deployment to the Mediterranean as part of the European Union humanitarian response to African migration.


    To mark the 75th anniversary today, L.É. Samuel Beckett (P61) – led a ceremony at
    Carlisle Pier in Dún Laoghaire. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D., Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Alison Gilliland, and An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Lettie McCarthy attended the ceremony receiving military honours from a Sub Lieutenants Guard of Honour (55 personnel all ranks) on Carlisle Pier. The L.É. Samuel Beckett then transited to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin for the remainder of the ceremony. As the ship exited Dún Laoghaire harbour, she was honoured with an Artillery Gun Salute provided by Gunners from 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment.


    At Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, the P61 received a helicopter flypast by two Irish Air Corps helicopters before receiving salutes from the crews of L.É. George Bernard Shaw (P64), L.É. James Joyce (P62) and L.É. WB Yeats (P63).
    Thank You Irish Naval Service For 75 Years of Outstanding Service

    Thanks to John O’Byrne for the wonderful photos.