An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir February 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 10 | VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS VETERAN'S NEWS W hat can one say to describe the official opening of our office at Fitzgerald Place, Fermoy on Sunday the 22nd of November 2015. From the coverage by our local newspaper The Avondhu to the assistence of the Gardai, to the local residents and business people allowing us to seal off the street. The 1 Cavalry Squadron supplied tentage, 2 MOWAG APCs and a body of troops who were excellent in everything they did. The catering staff did a wonderful job in speedily serving over 250 meals. One spectator with no con- nection whatsoever to the Army was heard to exclaim it was 'akin to the miracle of the loaves and fishes' such was the amount of food served. The display of the Sliabh na mban was the icing on the cake. The day which felt like a lovely Autumn day, could not have gone better. Sgt Guiney and Tpr Fleming ac- companying the Sliabh na mBan were excellent in the amount of knowledge and expertise they displayed when dealing with the many questions asked, and stayed over an hour in excess of the agreed time of departure. In the lead up to getting the vehicle I dealt with Lt Emma Harney. I couldn't have had a better person to liaise with over the phone and she was great to deal with on the ground. The three of them worked perfectly as a team and I thank all three on behalf of Post 25. The esteem in which the members of 1 Cavalry Squadron both serving and retired are held in was evident by the attendence of so many serving and retired senior officers. Serving Colonel Jim Burns and former CoS Lt Gen Sean McCann DSM (Retd) to name but a few. President Michael D Higgins sent a signed photo with best wishes to Post 25. On the day, the National Chairman couldn't attend, his place was taken by the Deputy Chair. Also present from the executive were; the National PRO, the Treasurer, the Development Officer, the Welfare Officer and the Parades Of- ficer. It was very gratifying to see such support. Pride of comment however goes to Comdt Art Magennis DSM (Retd) and Sgt Tim Carey (Retd) who sat side by side in the VIP tent reliving their exploits of the Armd Car Gp, 35 Inf Bn, Elizabethville, 1961. Art turned 97 years young in December 2015 and travelled from Dublin. Tim came out of St Patrick's Hospital Fermoy, where he's been a patient for some months. He wasn't sure he would attend the opening until I told him Art was going after which nothing could have kept him away. Tim suffered serious shrapnel wounds when the AFV (Ar- moured Fighting Vehicle) was knocked out by anti tank fire as he was driving on a rescue mission to Radio College 14th September 1961. Two crew members, Cpl Mike Nolan and Tpr Pat Mullins were killed. Special praise must go to the two most important groups. Firstly the vets of IUNVA, ONE, the Irish Legion and the vets who are not in any association. Secondly the local people without whose support none of this would have happened. We finished a perfect day with a session in the Elbow Inn. Post 27 Portlaoise arrived down equipped with guitars, a sweeze box, tin whistle and great singers. They were very happy campers heading home on their bus. We are 13 years established, and we've spent €13,000 renovat- ing the premises. The renovation would not have been possible without the backing of IUNVA HQ, they assisted in every way possible. The day lived up to expectations and a tremendously positive feed back was the result. Many thanks to each of the Posts, ONE and the Irish Legion who joined us on parade. A big thank you also to the Posts which couldn't send members but did send on their good wishes. Sunday 22 November brought home in practical terms the bonds of friendship and ca- maraderie generated during military service particularly serving overseas long may it continue. A dvd of the pa- rade as well as shots of the office interior and people gathering before the parade has been commissioned. It will be available for purchase at a later date. We will staff the office daily Monday through to Friday, from 10.00 – 14.00 hours and will welcome anyone who wishes to drop in for a chat, cuppa, look around or with a prob- lem where we may be able to offer practical help. by DESSy KEEGAN, PRO, IUNVA POST 25, FERMOy PHOTOS by SGT DON SHEEHAN Parade members remembering fallen Comrades Plaque identifyig IUNVA post 25 in Fermoy Members of post 25 outside their newly renovated offices Retired members of the DF pictured L/R: John O'Mahoney, 1 Mtr Sqn (1 Cav Sqn), Paddy O'Reagan, 4 Inf Bn and Michael Mc Carthy, 1 FAR.

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