An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir Dec 2015 / Jan 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 12 | un60 FROM COngO TO THE MIDDlE EAsT by LAR JOYE, CURATOR ART & INDUSTRIAL DIVISION, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND, COLLINS BKS I reland joined the United nations 60 years ago in november 1955 and since 1958 has been involved continuously in peacekeeping duties throughout the world. Since 1960 Ireland has committed armed contingents at different times to the Congo, Cyprus, Somalia, the Sinai and the Lebanon, among others. UN 60 is a new exhibition within the larger Solders & Chiefs Exhibition: The Irish at War at Home and Abroad since 1550 and examines the role played by these Irish men and women in the cause of world peace over the last 60 years. Despite the small size of the country's armed forces, Irish soldiers have built a reputation as skilled and dedicated peacekeepers. They have served in a number of hot spots around the world, both in small observer groups and at battalion strength. More than 80 Irish soldiers and 1 Garda have died on UN service - they are commemorated in a memorial on Arbour Hill, just behind the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. The exhibition is aimed at a general audience with little knowledge of the Irish Defence Forces or the United Nations. It begins by examining what it is like to be a peacekeeper and what they do on their mission and then focuses and on the large operations that Irish soldiers have been involved in from the Congo, Cyprus, Sinai, East Timor, Ethiopia & Eritrea, Somalia, Lebanon, Chad, Liberia and the occupied Golan Heights. In particular the exhibitions answer two questions which visitors have about the Irish Defence Forces on UN operations: Why the Irish were there and What was it like? In addition to the important role of the Irish soldier on UN operations the exhibition also explores the role of Irish policemen and women who have been involved with the United Nations since 1956. Until 1989 Gardai had to resign from An Garda Síochána to serve with the United Nations. The exhibition was designed in partnership with the Irish Defence Forces, and An Gardai Síochána and continues to De- cember 2016. It also contains the objects and stories of Irish peacekeepers from their tours in Congo and Lebanon. Admis- sion to all exhibitions is free and doors are open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays. Extract from the charter of the united nations (signed 26th June 1945) WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to Celebrating 60 years of Irish peacekeeping

• Cover