An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir Dec 2016 / Jan 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 6 | Sgt P J Bourke BowS out! On Tuesday 18th October Sgt PJ Bourke from Nenagh retired from D Coy, 3 Inf Bn after a long and distinguished military career. PJ was described as a soldier who enjoyed all his years in uniform both PDF and RDF, an excellent NCO and is held in high esteem. PJ was presented with a small token by Lt Col Mark Brownen, OC 3 Inf Bn. PJ is already a member of the ONE so his days in uniform will go on for some time. Photo: Sgt Mick Burke, PR Branch DCoS SP ViSitS LeBanon Maj Gen Kevin Cotter, D COS (Sp) is pictured reviewing a multinational GOH during a recent visit to Irish DF personnel serving overseas in UNIFIL HQ, Naqoura, South Lebanon. Photo: Sgt Karl Johnston, Head of Mission & Force Commander, Special Staff, UNIFIL HQ the uniteD iriSh ex-SerViCeS aSSoCiation of auStraLia The United Irish Ex-Services Association of Australia (UIESAA) laid wreaths in honour of all those that served with the UN around the world. Pictured L/R is: Michael Lyons, Myles Mooney and Patrick Armstrong. Myles Mooney had a band in the 60s with the Irish Air Corps called the 'Air Chords', and later went on to be a part of the famous 'Irish Drovers'. Photo: Ves Campion war of inDePenDenCe MeDaL On Friday 28th October 2016, Cadet Antoin Dargan presented his grand-uncle's War of Independence service medal to Limerick Museum, on behalf of the Dargan family. The medal was accepted by the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O'Hanlon and the curator of the museum Brian Hodkinson. The medal was awarded to John Dargan who served as Adjt 1st Bn of the Mid Limerick IRA Brigade during the War of Independence, and although he died in 1931 it was decided in 2016 that he would be awarded the medal posthumously. Photo: Pat Dargan heaDquarter SuPPort grouP Change of CoMManD Col Brian Monahan took over command as HSG Commander, KFOR HQ from Col Tony Cudmore on 21st October 2016 in Film City, Pristina, Kosovo. They are pictured with other DF members and An Garda Síochána members Denis O'Donovan, Daniel O'Donovan who are serving with EULEX, and Kevin Martin and Comdt John Wynne Retd. Photo: Cpl Kim Turner, HSG, KFOR HQ the CunninghaM CuP The Cunningham Cup final was held in Collins Bks on the 2nd November 2016. The match was between Collins Bks team and 28 Inf Bn team. The match was a hard fought affair which required extra time to determine. Collins Bks won the match on a score line of 1 nil. Man of the Match award was presented to Cpl Pat Ryan, 1 CIS Coy by former Gnr Vinny Drumm (1FAR) and President Ballincollig Football Club. Collin Bks Team Captain Cpl Dave Sweeney, 1 Tpt Coy is pictured receiving the cup from A/Bde EO Lt Col John O'Neill. Photo: Sgt Daniel Sheehan, HQ 1 Bde

• Cover