An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir Dec 2016 / Jan 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 10 | VEtERAN'S NEWS VEtERAN'S NEWS VEtERAN'S NEWS Inaugural Military Veterans Gala Ball By BENNY HILL, SWAN BATT COMMITTEE PhotoS By PAT LONG W hat a night it turned out to be when 271 personnel from the Defence Forces family attend- ed the first Military Veterans Gala Ball, organised and hosted by Swan Batt in Dublin's Green Isle hotel on 27th August. Swan Batt is a social group whose membership encompasses all arms of the Defence Forces, past and present. Membership also extends as far away as America, Finland, Norway and Holland. Swan Batt's admin group agreed that it would be good to organise an event that could bring veterans and serving mem- bers, and their partners, together on an annual basis. To make this a reality they decided to organise a military-themed, black-tie, gala ball. At their first meeting they agreed that ONE's soldiers' home, Brú na bhFiann, would receive all proceeds from the ball, which would be raised by way of dona- tions from those who attended the event. The organising committee set about selecting a venue, selling tickets, selecting menus, agreeing table layouts, and deciding on the type of music for the night (which, incidentally, proved quite successful). The committee also undertook a proactive advertising campaign using An Cosantóir and social media. Military units and associations made their pennants and flags available for the occasion and adorned the venue in full regalia. The colour party, led by the pipers of Post 1 IUNVA (Stefan Reilly) and the 5 Inf Bn Association (Antony Byrne) marched in the national flag ac- companied by the UN and ONE flags. A trumpeter played the salute and the night was off to a flying start. The keynote address was delivered by Lt Gen Gerry Mc Mahon (retd) who spoke about the work carried out by Brú na bhFiann and thanked Swan Batt for their efforts in raising awareness and also assisting to raise much-needed funds. With formalities over, the band struck up and for over three hours they played to a full dance floor. During the interval a raffle was held with more than 15 prizes. Following the last dance the pipers took to the floor and entertained the guests with a selection of tunes. The Gala Ball was supported by many veterans organisa- tions, such as 2 Inf Bn Associa- tion, 5 Inf Bn Association, 2 Fd Arty Regt Association, Military Police Association of Ireland, Dublin Artillery Association, Irish Army Transport As- sociation, Military Engineers Associa- tion, and various branches and posts from ONE and IUNVA. It was good to see members from so many different ele- ments of the Defence Forces family mixing and coming to- gether to socialise, as well as to support a common cause. The commit- tee would like to thank everybody who participated in making the event a success, the sponsors of the spot prizes, the event spon- sors in general, and the hotel staff who were courteous and helpful at all times. Lt General Gerry Mc Mahon DSM with the full Colour Party Other RDF/PDF members looking good on the night Swan Batt Committee with John O'Mahony DSM Former Air Corps members and their wives/partners Ger Cassidy & Karina Molloy, who were members of the first female platoon

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