An Cosantóir

4 | M ar Uachtarán na hÉireann, ba mhaith liom beannachtaí croíúla a sheoladh do gach uile dhuine atá mar bhall d'Óglaigh na hÉireann agus a dteaghlaigh an Nollaig seo. As President of Ireland, I would like to send my warmest greetings to each member of the Defence Forces, along with your families, during the Christmas season. I am especially glad to have this first opportunity to do so, since being elected as the Tenth President of Ireland and as Supreme Commander of Óglaigh na hÉireann. The Irish people take great pride in our Defence Forces over the years and their work is an enduring reminder of what is best in us as a people. As a sovereign independent nation with a long and cherished tradition of neutrality, it is a matter of great distinction that we continue to hold the longest unbroken record of overseas service with the United Nations of any state, having first deployed to a UN peacekeeping mission in 1958. In a world where the devastating consequences of war and conflict persist, the presence of members of Óglaigh na hÉireann brings much-needed hope in helping to create the conditions in which all people might hope to live in peace. These sacrifices are deserving of the greatest recognition and I am so proud of all the members of our Defence Forces and of the families who support them. We also remember, especially at this time, all those members of the Defence Forces who have tragically lost their lives while on duty at home or abroad, and all those who continue to miss them now. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha. Agus dóibh siúd agaibh a bheidh scartha ó theaghlaigh agus ó chairde an Nollaig seo, tuigim agus admhaím an íobairt atá á déanamh agaibh ar son na síochána. Tá meas agus buíochas mhuintir na hÉireann libh. And to those of you who will be separated from family and friends this Christmas, I understand and acknowledge the sacrifice that you are making in the name of peace, a sacrifice that is greatly appreciated by the people of Ireland. At home, I am deeply grateful for the role that members of the Defence Forces continue to play at many ceremonial events across the country, including at the recent and memorable Inauguration Ceremony at Dublin Castle. Molaim sibh. Mar fhocal scoir, I would like to commend all the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann for the positive contribution that you make to security in Ireland and to the furthering of peace across the globe. I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a safe and peaceful New Year. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh. PRESIDENT CATHERINE CATHERINE CONNOLLY CONNOLLY An Cosantóir November / December 2025 www.military.ie/magazine CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Catherine Connolly Uachtarán na hÉireann President of Ireland

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