An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/685731
An Cosantóir June 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 6 | BaNNa STraNd rEmEmBErEd Banna Rescue was involved in the logistical elements of the State's 1916 Commemoration to mark the role of Roger Casement, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey in the Easter Rising. They were honoured to host the Defence Forces General Staff at their Boathouse. Back Row (L/R): Brig Gen Philip Brennan, Brig Gen Peter O'Halloran, Maj Gen Kevin Cotter, Steve Baker (Chairman, Banna Rescue), COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Maj Gen Kieran Brennan and Brig Gen Paul Fry. Front Row (L/R): Banna Rescue Crew- Mike Ashe, Colleen Trant, Brian Crean and Tom Ward. Photo: Brian Crean, Banna Rescue rESErvISTS raISE THE CoLourS Pictured raising and lowering the National Colours outside the GPO is Lt Mairghead Kelly and Sgt Peter Brennan, RDF members serving with 2 Bde CIS Coy in Cathal Brugha Bks. In 1991 Sgt Brennan (then Cpl) with the 11 Fld Sigs Coy FCA was an instructor who trained the first female recruits. Lt Kelly was part of that initial female intake in 1991. She was also the first female commissioned in the reserve. Lt Kelly will be retiring in June 2016. Photo: Capt Martin Mulvey (AR), 2 Bde CIS Coy muLLINGar'S EaSTEr rISING Pictured before the start of the Mullingar Community Parade on Sunday 24th April 2016 are L/R: RSM Noel O'Callaghan, his grand-daughter Aleesha, Sgt Derek McKevitt, Sgt John Fitzpatrick, and Sgt Paddy Poynton. The parade formed up and marched from Columb Bks, Mullingar with 2 Bde Arty Regt flag party leading the Mullingar Town Band, RDF marching block, joint ONE/IUNVA block, the Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Mullingar Arts Centre, Sub Aqua Club, Scouts and a joint schools block. The parade marched to the town centre where MC Una Maher, daughter of RSM Mick Maher (RIP), told the story of Mullingar's connection to 1916. Photo: RSM Noel O'Callaghan, 2 BAR FIoNN'S 1ST vISIT To THE GLEN The 3 Inf Bn Mascot Fionn visited the Glen of Imaal for the first time on Monday 25th April 2016 to see the Kilkenny troops during their Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) prior to going overseas. Fionn looks proud as punch while in the overwatch position. Photo: Capt Thomas Stapleton, 3 Inf Bn aNZaC daY On 25th April 2016, members of the United Irish Ex-Services Association of Australia (UIESA) marched on ANZAC Day to represent the 6,000 Irish men and women who fought in WW1's Gallipoli conflict. https://uiesaa. wordpress.com Photo: Ves Campion WESTmEaTH CommEmoraTIoNS On Saturday 7th May 2016 as part of Westmeath Co Council's commemorative events, units from Custume Bks, Athlone took part in a flag raising ceremony in Burgess Park to mark the opening of a remembrance garden. This was followed with the 6 Inf Bn, 2 BAR and the EUBG marching through the town led by parade commander Comdt Michael Daly, 6 Inf Bn, to John McCormack Civic Square. Here a plaque for Irish Volunteer Sean Costello was unveiled. Photo: Pte Aiden Sherlock, 6 Inf Bn