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Post by Barbara Mullins on Jul 30, 2010 19:02:25 GMT
Thanks Rose. It's great to have the scrapbook to look back on. I'm sure it brings back lots of memories for you and Monica when you are going through it. My Mam had one as well. We are very lucky that they took the trouble to do it. It's a wonderful legacy. That photo taken going to Cyprus was in 1967.
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Post by rose5mcdonaghtce on Jul 30, 2010 23:25:34 GMT
Hi Barbara,
It was Summer '67, Dad was out there too, it was his second trip, he loved Cyprus, was'nt a good one though for either of them, as it turned out, Mam passed away in September, two weeks before he was due home. As you say they took the trouble to put the bits and pieces together and left us lovely memories.
Rose.
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Post by andybrennan on Jul 30, 2010 23:46:13 GMT
Jaysus Rose, but you are on a roll.
The candles no matter what the price are cheap tis the intention that counts. Hope his nibs is coping and appreciating your good self. I will light them as long as they are needed.
Had a chat with a lad today who would lift the spirits of us lesser mortals, geting on with things regardless , Bobby Duggan I salute you and I enjoyed our chit chat
Andy
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Post by andybrennan on Jul 30, 2010 23:54:39 GMT
Rose,
I could be flippant about 67 but I wont, it was sad,
Andy
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Post by Eamonn Riordan on Nov 4, 2010 1:34:01 GMT
I'm john geoghegans grandson n would like to source information on him or any photos. Email me at eamonnriordan@hotmail.com. Thanks
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Post by Matt McNamara on Nov 8, 2010 15:31:24 GMT
The day we were mistakenly told our father had been killed in action
As the 50th anniversary of the Niemba ambush is commemorated, Don Lavery recalls his father's role in the horrific event that changed a nation
It was unusual at seven years of age to be kept home from school with my twin brother, so I knew something was up.
Things became even more strange when a chaplain and army wives called to our home in Rathmines to see my mother Nancye.
They believed my father had been killed at a place called Niemba in the Congo while leading a patrol of Irish soldiers.
It seemed possible -- my father, Capt Jim Lavery, was serving with the 33rd battalion in November 1960, the second Irish unit to go to the Congo.
But communications with Africa were primitive then and mistakes were made. He hadn't been killed and went on to win the Distinguished Service Medal for his actions at the Battle of Kipushi two years later.
But a friend of his, Lt Kevin Gleeson, had died along with eight other Irish peacekeeping soldiers. Two others survived.
It shocked the Ireland of the early 1960s to the core. Around half a million people thronged the streets of Dublin to pay their respects when eight of their bodies were brought home.
The deaths were a seminal moment for Ireland in that exciting decade, and for the Defence Forces, which has never looked back.
The ambush of the small patrol of 11 men by Baluba tribesmen resulted in the single biggest loss of life by the Army in 50 years of peacekeeping.
About 25 tribesmen also died when the soldiers fired back in self defence.
At the weekend the sacrifice made by the peacekeeping soldiers was remembered in a simple moving ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines to mark the 50th anniversary of the ambush.
Organised by the Organisation of National Ex-servicemen and Women, (ONE), it was attended by survivors Joe Fitzpatrick and Tom Kenny, families of the fallen, politicians and senior military personnel led by Chief of Staff Lt Gen Sean McCann.
After a minute's silence at the Niemba monument, wreaths were laid, followed by the haunting notes of the 'Last Post' and the soldier's wake-up call 'Reveille'.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, who gave the homily at the anniversary Mass at the nearby Our Lady of Refuge Church, said what was being celebrated was an important part of our recent history with many lessons for today.
The dead soldiers would today have been grandparents looking back with pride and satisfaction on the nobility of their commitment, and with affection telling their story to their grandchildren.
"That experience was not to be theirs," he said.
The Military Medal for Gallantry was awarded to 20-year-old Dubliner Tpr Anthony Browne for his bravery during the ambush.
However, his body was not found until two years later in deep bush. A small heavily armed group, including my father, went on a mission into Baluba territory to find his remains and finally bring him home.
Don Lavery Irish Independent
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Post by andybrennan on Nov 8, 2010 21:48:46 GMT
Hi Matt,
That story of the Lavery family, very thought provoking indeed. A tale of sadness turning to joy, with the sadness repeating in later life
Andy
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Post by Kane Fay on May 20, 2011 9:04:07 GMT
Kane Fay A Coy 7th Bn FCA, B coy 5th inf Bn, A Coy 48inf Bn UNIFIL FAO you Irish army lads I'm trying to get tape footage of the lads in the Leb, circa early 80s, for a documentary I'm doing. The girl in military archives, is looking for accurate dates, ie for the battle of Atiri and other important moments. Also checking RTE who charge for each search, and copy right, so if anyone knows were I can get hold of copyright free footage, do give me a shout, Id appreciate it cheers.
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Post by andrew regan on Dec 5, 2012 23:30:43 GMT
Hello There, Following my last message on the 24th August the names of some of the soldiers I served with in Plunkett Barracks from 1961-64 are; Troopers; Tommy Beahn (from Nass) Tony Mcglin " " Norman Mason Charlie Lamb Corporal Bob Divine (The Barber) I did a radio course under Sgt Johnny Hamill who was killed in action in 1965 in Cyprus. I also remember Ma Burke who used to sell sweets to the soldiers from a donkey and cart. Another name I remember is Trooper Dixie Brown (The boxer). If anyone remembers me or any of the soldiers above I would appreciate if you got in touch with me. My e-mail address is: anthonymoore100@tiscali.co.uk I have some old photos that I can send. Regards Tony Moore norman mason is my grandad please contact me if you knew him
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Post by keith meehan on May 1, 2014 21:10:48 GMT
Today the Defence Forces celebrated 50 years of Peacekeeping. The Curragh Camp (DFTC) is and will always be a vitial part of the overseas missions. Thousands of troops have passed through here on their way to the various trouble spots around the world. On behalf of this forum I would like to express the following. Well done to all who have served on Overseas Missions down through the years. And let us remember all those friends and comrades who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace while serving on behalf of the Irish Nation and the Irish People. You will never be forgotten . Please take time to visit the Offical Defence Forces Overseas Web Page. www.military.ie/overseas/index.htm
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Post by keith meehan on May 1, 2014 21:20:43 GMT
Hi all dont know if anyone can help me,i am looking for photo's of Sgt Edward Yeates who was taking from us in the Lebanon in 1980,i look after my granmother who is Ted's sister Mary and would love to share some memorys with her so if anyone can help or point me in the right direction it would be great thank you all
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Post by Mick doyle on Mar 1, 2017 14:30:45 GMT
My dad Michael Doyle served Congo and Cyprus his service no. 803511. He was from bray
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Post by Shane McNamara on Sept 16, 2020 21:33:56 GMT
hi all, Fascinating reading. Just wondering if anyone has a picture or story of my father...Captain Christy McNamara who died in Cyprus in January 1968. My email address is smacn1@gmail.com Many thanks
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