An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | O n 15th December 2013, ceremonies commenced at 0945hrs with the 52nd annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Defence Forces' plot in Glasn- evin Cemetery, in memory of our comrades of 'A' Coy, 36 Inf Bn: Lt Paddy Riordan DSM, Sgt Paddy Mulcahy DSM, Cpl Mick Fallon, Pte Andy Wickham and Cpl John Power, who died while serving with the UN in the Congo (ONUC) between December 1961 and May 1962. The attendance included members of ONE and IUNVA, former members of 'A' Coy, and relatives and friends of our deceased comrades. Wreaths were laid by Joe Brady ('A' Coy, 36 Inf Bn), Martin Walsh (Sgt Paddy Mulcahy DSM Branch, ONE), and Mick Butler ('A' Coy, 36 Inf Bn) on behalf of IUNVA and the relatives. BQMS Danny Mulcahy (retd), son of Sgt Paddy Mulca- hy DSM, led the attendance with a decade of the Rosary. On conclusion of the ceremony a lament was rendered by military piper Sgt Anthony Byrne. Those in attendance then proceeded to McKee Bks for Mass celebrated by Rev Fr Pat Mernagh CF. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Oisín Quinn, was represented by Cllr Padraic McLoughlin. Following Mass, everyone assembled in the Garrison NCOs Mess, for the unveiling of the Roll of Honour in memory of the above deceased members of 'A' Coy, 36 Inf Bn. As the oldest surviving member of 'A' Coy, Col Harry Crowley (93), was un- able to attend, the Roll of Honour was unveiled by Col Seán Norton DSM (retd), also a former member of 'A' Coy, who paid tribute to all who continue to gather to remember our comrades. Smaller versions of the Roll of Honour, which was the subject of much favourable comment by all present, were presented to the relatives. Pat Whelan (Chairman, Sgt Paddy Mulcahy DSM Branch) later presented Service Medals to the follow- ing members of the branch; G O'Sullivan, N Quinsey, N Broughal, J Donegan and D Poleon. All present were then invited to the dining complex refreshments, after which a 're-grouping' took place in the Garrison NCOs Mess, where many memories of the hostilities of December 1961 were recalled. Note: 'A' Coy 36 Inf Bn is most decorated company in the history of the Defence Forces with 14 DSMs - two of them awarded posthumously. By CQMS JIM CLARKE (RETD) PhOtOS By ARMN ADAM FOx (105 SQN) COMBINED ANNUAL MASS Sgt Paddy Mulcahy (DSM) Branch ONE & 'A' Coy 36 Inf Bn (Congo 1961-62) Roll of Honour is unveiled by Col Seán Norton DSM (retd). Col Norton DSM (retd) with BQMS Danny Mul- cahy (retd) and family members of deceased 'A' Coy personnel. Dedication of memorial to Tpr Thomas Fennell By MARTIN CRAWFORD (ONE) AND EUNAN O'CARROLL (IUNVA) O n Sunday 29th December, members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE) gathered at Conwall Cemetery, Letterkenny to dedicate a new memo- rial to a local lad. trooper thomas Fennell who lost his life while serving with the United Nations in the Congo, in 1960. Also present were members of the Fennell family, who travelled from Dublin, Letterkenny and Kerry- keel to join them. Although the family moved to Dublin, a young Thomas spent most of his childhood with his Grandmother on the back road and with his cousins in Ard O'Donnell, Letterkenny. The Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Pascal Blake, repre- senting the Town Council laid a wreath on behalf of the local community. Eddie Robinson, President IUNVA Post 20, Mullin- gar, laid a wreath on behalf of IUNVA. Serving soldiers from 28 Inf Bn formed a guard of honour, and a wreath was laid on behalf of the Defence Forces by Comdt John Ander- son, a native of Letterkenny. It was a great to remember our fallen comrade with this fitting memorial - Thank you to all those that helped make it possible. Memorial to Tpr Thomas Fennell. 28 Inf Bn guard of honour. Colour Party, members of IUNVA Post 10, Donegal. Letterkenny Mayor, Cllr Pascal Blake lays a wreath.

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