An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | REPORT & PhOTOS by SGT WAyNE FITzGERALD new anTe rooM in McKee BKS O n 9th July 2015, ACOS Brig Gen Colm Camp- bell unveiled a new Ante-room in the NCOs Mess McKee Bks. The new recreational room fitted out with a large TV and comfortable sofas is intended for NCOs to avail of in a relaxing and homely atmosphere. The room was named af ter long serving and highly regarded RSM Johnny Keat- ing (RIP) of McKee Bks. RSM Keating was renowned within the Defence Forces as a strict militarian whom everyone respected both commissioned and in the ranks below him. RSM Keating also had a large family, many of whom followed him into the DF, present for the unveiling where Arwm Debbie Keating, No 1 Ops Wing and John Keating formally of 5 Inf Bn, Collins Bks. Pictured l-r: ACOS Brig Gen Colm Campbell, Arwm Debbie Keating, John Keating and Mess President CQMS David Morrissey. Tpr AnThony Browne REPORT & PhOTOS by SGT WAyNE FITzGERALD O n 9th July 2015, Tpr Anthony Browne, the first recipient of the Military Medal for Gallantry (An Bonn Míleata Calmachta) – with Distinc- tion, which was awarded for his exceptional bravery during the Niemba Ambush on 8th November 1960, which resulted in his death and of 8 members of No 2 Pln, A Coy, 33 Inf Bn. A fitting and homely tribute was payed to this young man by his home town of Rialto, who like many went on an adventure to the Congo with the Defence Forces' initial troop peacekeeping mission. To remember Tpr Browne members of his locality under Dublin City Council (DCC) set about by erecting a park bench with a copy of his MMG medal citation. Located in the new Flanagan's Fields Community Garden, situ- ated on the site of the old Fatima Mansions Block where he lived. Tpr Browne's nephew Alan and his son Josh led the many wreath layers, which were placed on the bench. Military piper Sgt Anthony Byrne accompanied by a drummer and bugler from the Army No 1 Band played, whilst Tpr Browne's former unit 2 Cav Sqn honoured him with a courtesy guard under the command of Lt Michael Conneely and Sqn Sgt Mick Doyle. Two long lines of military Veterans representing IUNVA and ONE saluted their former colleague as he was remembered by a Congo Veteran Michael Monaghan, who was on that faithful mission. Later on during refreshments in the F2 centre, the new Lord Mayor of Dublin, Sinn Féin councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh spoke very highly of Tpr Browne, where she unveiled a portrait of him by a local artist. MC for the day was former DF member Fran O'Shea now Asst Community Officer for DCC, who thanked all those involved with the project and for making the day very special for the Browne family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal - May his soul be on the right side of God. Remembered Congo Veteran Michael Monaghan

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