Former Soldier Posthumously Awarded Gold Medal for Bravery
The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, presented 26 National Bravery Awards yesterday to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others in peril.
The ceremony at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, brought recipients together to receive twenty six certificates, six Bronze Medals and thirteen Silver Medals. Brownstown, Curragh, Co. Kildare native and former member of the Irish Defence Forces, James Nicholl, received a posthumous Gold medal award for Bravery when he selflessly tried to save a man drowning in the River Liffey in April.
His Citation reads:
The attempted rescue of a man from the River Liffey, Dublin
On Saturday the 8th of April 2023, at approximately 1.30am, Gardaí responded to a call of two men in the River Liffey near Grattan Bridge. On arriving at the scene, Gardaí momentarily observed a man in the river between Grattan Bridge and Millennium Bridge, before he disappeared under the water.
It has since been established that one young man jumped from Grattan Bridge into the Liffey around 1.20am. A close friend of his called for help and James Nicholl, stepped forward saying he would try to save the young man. The man calling for help told James not to go in if he couldn’t swim, but although Mr Nicholl did not know the young man in the water he insisted he would help. According to the man who was calling for help, James said ‘I am ex-army, I will get him’ and jumped into the dark Liffey waters to try and save the young man in distress.
Several lifebuoys were thrown into the water by people on the edge of the river and both An Garda Síochána and Dublin Fire Brigade searched from the quayside for some time but neither man could be located. Shortly after 6am, the body of James Nicholl was recovered from the water beside Millennium Bridge by the Garda Water Unit. The search continued and sometime later the body of the young man he had attempted to save was recovered from the water beside the Ha’Penny Bridge.
For his brave and selfless actions, James Nicholl is posthumously awarded a Gold Medal and a Certificate of Bravery.
Citation ends.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle said:
“Today the Irish State recognises and celebrates the noblest impulse in a human being, the impulse to risk our lives in order to save someone else’s. But just as importantly, what these awards also do is mark the importance of the lives that were saved and also those that were lost.
I say this because in several instances, we are making awards where, in spite of brave actions and valiant efforts, lives were tragically lost. Those involved in these attempts know how hard they struggled, the families of those lost appreciate their efforts as do we, the Irish nation.”
The annual honours are awarded by Comhairle na Míre Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was founded 76 years ago in 1947 to enable State recognition of exceptional Acts of Bravery. The Council is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City & County Councils, and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.
James Nicholl was the sole recipient of the highest award, the Gold Medal for Bravery. His parents Noreen and Jimmy accepted the award on behalf of their son.
Jimmy was homeless and suffered from drug addiction. He tells his story on Kold Turkey.
If you are or know of a veteran in need, support is available.
The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel
Smithfield Market,
North King Street,
Dublin 7,
D07 HD72
Phone: +353-1-485-0666
Email: info@oneconnect.ie
Web: www.one-veterans.org
Irish United Nations Veterans Association
Arbor House,
Temple Hill Road,
Arbor Hill,
Na Cloch Road,
Dublin 7
Email: info@ iunva.ie or iunvahqd7@gmail.com
Phone: +353(0)1-6791262 or +353(0)85-1416459
A Strong Voice for Veterans – The Veterans Commissioner For Northern Ireland
Recognising the challenges facing veterans today Danny Kinahan was appointed as Northern Ireland’s first Veterans Commissioner in September 2020. Since that time Danny, a British Army veteran himself, and his team – Alan Murphy and Rachael Harger – have been working with veterans’ support organisations throughout the island of Ireland, advocating for better supports, listening to the challenges, and urging veterans to get in touch.
Many who leave the armed services may not require help – but others do across a number of areas. This might include mental or physical health – or to other matters such as housing and retraining. Getting the right supports to veterans is an ongoing challenge.
Over the past eight months we have been working with Danny and his team to help produce a series of videos to help introduce him and his team, and promote their work and veterans supports throughout the island of Ireland. We would encourage veterans’ charities/organisations and veterans themselves to share this video in order to help communicate the message: if you need help there is support.
If you are a former member of the British Armed Forces on the island of Ireland that needs support or you know a such a veteran that needs support you can contact the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office or the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office, details below.
Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office
Web: www.nivco.co.uk
E: commissioner@nivco.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90527734
Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office
Web: www.nivso.org.uk
E: info@nivso.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 28 95216784
We would like to thank the following organisations for their help during the production of this video: Decorum NI, Frontier Pipes and Drums, Inspire Wellbeing, Horses for People, The Not Forgotten Association, The Royal British Legion (Northern Ireland), The Royal British Legion (Rep. of Ireland), and The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
This project was made possible with kind support from The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office and the NI Veterans’ Support Office.
This video is a production of The Irish Military Heritage Foundation CLG: (RCN) 20203159.
You can help support our projects on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=56748863 The Dept. of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport and Media
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”.
Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner Visits Dublin
Photos by John O’Byrne
In a North/South engagement earlier today, the team from the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office visited their counterparts in The Royal British Legion (Rep. of Ireland) and The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) (Rep. of Ireland Branch). The team discussed and listened to the concerns of the two veterans’ support charities regarding veterans of the British Armed Forces from and living in the Rep. of Ireland. The team also met with members of The Organisation of National Ex-Personnel (ONE). A clear message from today is that it is critical that veterans know there is help if needed.
NI Veterans Commissioner – Danny Kinahan – said: “I was really pleased to meet with Irish branches of the RBL, SSAFA and ONE to ensure veterans are well looked after in the Rep. of Ireland. Today’s visit was important to see how we could help each other to improve the delivery of support to veterans.”
This project is supported by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and the NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office and the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner’s Office. Special thank you to the Royal British Legion Rep. of Ireland and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.
NI Commissioner Urges Veterans to get in Touch
Northern Ireland’s Veterans Commissioner – Danny Kinahan – is urging former service personnel of the British Armed Forces who need help or support to get in touch with him directly.
There are an estimated 150,000 former personnel of the British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy living in Northern Ireland, in addition there are an estimated 10,000 living in the Republic of Ireland. The NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO) has launched an initiative to reach as many veterans in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as possible. He is enlisting the support of regimental associations, councils, charities and community organisations to get the message out to former members of the armed forces.
The Commissioner stated: “My role is to be a ‘strong voice for veterans’ and I want to ensure that those who have given so much in the service of their country receive the support, help and assistance they deserve. I am honoured to represent and advocate on their behalf and since my appointment I have heard, first-hand, about experiences of military service and the transition back to civilian life.
“I don’t have a database to contact veterans personally, so I am relying on other organisations to help me cascade the information to those who need it. If you are a friend or family member of someone who has served, please know that my office is here to help.”
Many who have left the armed services may not require help – but others do across a number of areas. This might include mental or physical health – or to other matters such as housing and retraining.
Continuing Commissioner Danny Kinahan added: “I want to engage with as many veterans as possible to understand their issues and work with them so they can access the right support as and when they need it.”
The NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office can be contacted by:
Email: commissioner@nivco.co.uk
Telephone: 028 90527734
Twitter: @niveteranscomm
Web: www.nivco.co.uk
Address
NI Veterans Commissioner’s Office
Stormont House
Belfast
BT4 3SH
Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s New Crest
On the establishment of the NIVCO it was important to establish a crest that was representative of all elements of the Armed Forces. The striking new crest was unveiled last month.
Danny Kinahan said: “When you look at the crest, you see the crossed swords that represent the Army, the anchor that symbolises the Royal Navy and the eagle for the Royal Air Force.
“The crown represents Her Majesty the Queen, who as Sovereign, is Head of the Armed Forces and the shamrock references the Irish Regiments that serve and have served with great honour and distinction across the world in many conflicts. The poppy flower evokes remembrance and the use of green, blue and red reflects the colours of the Royal Irish Regiment.”
The core message of “A strong voice for NI Veterans” is now embodied within clear and strong.
New Irish Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a non-profit veterans service organisation comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces of the United States.
The VFW trace its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organisations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. Some of these veterans banded together and formed organszations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
The VFW voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the US national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, the VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centres services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans’ organisation to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the National Desert Storm War Memorial which is planned for construction at Washington DC.
The VFW are now looking to reach out to eligible veterans in Ireland with the aim of establishing an Irish VFW Post. Please read details below.
