An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 4 | M ar Uachtaráin na hÉireann agus mar Cheannasaí Uachtarach Óglaigh na hÉireann ba mhian liom beannacht ó chroí a chur chuig gach uile bhall d'Óglaigh na hÉireann, agus a dteaghlaigh, an séasúr Nollag seo. As Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, may I send a warm greeting to each and every member of the Defence Forces, and their families, at this Christmas season. As a nation, we rightly take great pride in our Defence Forces and the qualities of integrity, selflessness and valour that characterise those who offer their service to the Army, Navy and Air Corps. This year our Defence Forces continued to carry out their duties with skill, courage and great dedication, showing a generous commitment to the cause of peace and security across the globe, including continuing the longest unbroken record of overseas service of any country in the world in peacekeeping with the United Nations since first deploying to a United Nations mission in 1958. As well as the continuation of the long-standing peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, Irish soldiers are also involved in building and supporting peace in many more regions across the world that are currently experiencing conflict – such vital work at a time when humanity is faced with unprecedented challenges of a global kind. Ní féidir linn dearmad a dhéanamh riamh ar na contúirtí a bhaineann leis an obair seo, nó ar an gcaoi a gcuireann baill ár bhFórsaí Cosanta atá ar mhisin síochánaíochta thar lear a mbeatha i mbaol gach lá chun síocháin a thógáil agus a choinneáil I limistéir choinbhleachta ar fud an domhain We must never forget the dangers that come with this work, or how the members of our Defence Forces serving on peacekeeping missions abroad risk their lives every day in order to build and maintain peace in conflict zones across the world. At this time of year we remember, with a heavy heart, the life of Private Seán Rooney, who tragically passed away in December last year, a life lost serving the people of Ireland, serving the United Nations, and serving all those wishing for peace in our shared world. In a world where conflicts persist, where horrific suffering and exclusion run deep, the sacrifices of those serving in the Defence Forces do not go unnoticed. The sacrifices that you and your families make on behalf of all our citizens are not only greatly appreciated but also deeply admired by the Irish people. On their behalf, may I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your selfless dedication to the cause of justice, peace and security across the globe. At home, our Defence Forces continue to play a pivotal role in various ceremonial events throughout the country, including State Visits to Áras an Úachtaráin, always upholding the dignity and distinction that make me, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, immensely proud. May I also express my gratitude for your vital efforts in extending a hand of friendship and support to ex-service men and women, exemplifying the remarkable spirit of solidarity that underpins all that our Defence Forces undertake. May I conclude by thanking and commending each and every one of you for the important and positive contribution that Óglaigh na hÉireann makes to the security and defence of Ireland, and to the furthering of peace, security and justice across the globe. Thar ceann mhuintir na hÉireann, guím Nollaig shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise oraibh agus ar bhur muintir. On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Beir beannacht. Michael D. Higgins Uachtarán na hÉireann President of Ireland PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. HIGGINS Christmas Message

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