An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir February 2019 www.dfmagazine.ie 10 | VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS BLACK TIE GALA BALL SUPPORTS VETERANS IN NEED BY BENNY HILL PHOTOS CPL LEE COYLE W hat another brilliant turnout for the Veterans Military Ball that was held last August, when yet again we filled the venue of Morans Hotel, Red Cow. Our guest speaker on the night was Mr Anthony (Tony) Stafford, a former member of the DF who due to his circumstances had to avail of the services of Brú Na Bfhiann. Tony's story, one of heart-break, struck a chord and will live long in the memory of those who heard it. MC for the evening was provided by Tommy Conlon, who opened proceedings and got the night started by introducing our speakers and special guests, welcoming everyone who attended, and reminding us of our chosen charity: Brú Na Bfhiann our soldiers homes. The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel were rep- resented by their HQ staff plus members of the Erskine Childers Branch who took three tables, the Roger Casement Branch and the Peader Clancy Branch who also took a table. The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) were also represented by Post 9 and Post 1, and many other UN Veterans from other posts. We had many other Veterans associations represented, such as: 2nd Battalion, 5th Battalion, Garrison Tpt, BWS Tpt, 2 Mtr Sqn, the Military Police, 2 Fd Arty, the Military Engineers and many more. We also had support from the Army Transport club, the Bde transport reserve formerly 11th Field Supply & Transport. Our Colour Party this year comprised of: Paula Cooley in the place of honour accepting the colours. Willie Mc Cormack of 2 Bde Tpt Reserve carried the Tri Colour, Anthony Byrne carried the United Nations Flag, and Paul Cooley carried the ONE Pen- nant. We would like to thank all of the units and associations who supplied their unit pennants. You don't need to have served in the Defence Forces to pur- chase a ticket, everyone is welcome and we had many guests who had no connection except the desire to support a good cause and to have a great evening. After the event, the sum of €8,760 was raised for Bru Na Bfhi- ann, to support Irish Defence Forces Veterans who have fallen on hard times and are in need of accommodation. The occasion would not be a military event without the use of pipers to escort the colour party, provided with the help of IUNVA Post 1 and formerly of the 5 Infantry Battalion: Anto Byrne, Stefan O'Reilly and Joe Burke. We also thank our bugler Brian Douglas. A big thank you to all who supplied spot prizes I won't name you for fear of leaving someone out. We especially wish to thank our sponsors and assistants: Jean Maher, Vinny Devoy, Mattie Doyle, Mick Reynolds. Our organising committee remains the same four war- riors, Benny Hill, Paul Clarke, Tommy Conlon and Vinny Kearns. The 2019 Black Tie Ball is scheduled for the 24th August in Morans Red Cow, Naas Road. Con- tact Benny Hill on 087 6798 691 for details. One of the event organisers Benny Hill with veterans from the Cavalry Association. Guest Speaker and DF Veteran Tony Stafford. Recently retired RSM Mick Dillon, along with CQMS Paul Gifford and his wife Annette.

• Cover