An Cosantóir

10 | IUNVA POST 27 NEWS UPDATE by Michael Tracey Photos by Tim Kane P OST 27 of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) reached another milestone with the official opening of its offices in Mill View, Portlaoise, recently. The offices, which are leased from Laois County Council, were officially open by the national IUNVA president, Michael Butler, and Post 27 president, Archie Raeside. The event was attended by over 200 people. Since Post 27 was established in 2004 by Billy Colbert and Paddy Harding it had held its meetings in a variety of venues. As Post 27 chairperson, Denis Farrell, explained: "Firstly we had our meetings in John Egan's restaurant. After that, we had them in the RDF hall beside the Garda barracks. Then we had our meetings in the Birchwood Community Centre in Knockmay." Before moving into the new premises Post 27 had renovations carried out and it now contains a canteen, large meeting room and private offices. The meeting room is covered with old photos from UN missions abroad, giving a snapshot of the veterans' experiences. To raise money for the offices, the Post carried out church gate collections, flag days and their own lotto, as well as gratefully receiving donations. Laois County Council and the national executive of IUNVA also offered financial help. Mr Raeside spoke of the benefits the Post enjoyed from having a permanent base. "Being based at this location is proving beneficial in making Post 27 more easily contactable by those in need of our support," he says. "We can now better achieve our primary objective of providing advice and counselling to those affected by service with the United Nations." An Cosantóir October 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie From its new offices the Post offers counselling to veterans suffering post-traumatic stress, with a trained counsellor among its members. It has also held a gatekeeper course for mental health and suicide prevention. The new offices also serve as a social outlet, operating as a drop-in centre where veterans can call in for a cup of tea and a chat. Tourists are also welcome to drop in and find out about Irish involvement with the UN. The offices also host Post 27's monthly meeting. There are currently around 47 members in Post 27, and two of its members, Charlie Mott and Michael Thompson, are on IUNVA's national executive. The offices, which are managed by Michelle Kane, are generally open until 5pm Monday to Friday. On the day of the launch, there were several military vehicles on display in Fitzmaurice Square, including a Defence Forces Mowag as well as other vehicles from the Military Vehicles Association. There was also a display of medals and military paraphernalia provided by 'Murty' Quinn. Music was provided by St Conleth's ONE Pipe Band. Post 27 expressed its gratitude to all individuals and groups who have given their support, in particular County Manager Peter Carey, Supt Yvonne Lundon, Garda Gerry Dillon, OIC RDF Portlaoise, John Egan and the Birchwood Community Centre committee. For more information about Post 27, contact the offices on 8666055 or call in. This article previously appeared in the Laois Nationalist on 6 August 2013 and is reprinted here with their kind permission.

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