An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir February 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 24 | European Awards 2016 by COMDT COLIN LAWLOR, PR BRANCH. PhotoS by CPL NEVILLE COUGHLAN O n 12th December 2016, Óglaigh na hÉireann was presented with the prestigious European Movement Ireland, European of the year 2016 award. the award, spon- sored by Zurich Insurance PLC, was presented to the Defence Forces by An taoiseach, Enda Kenny tD, in recogni- tion of their contribution to interna- tional peacekeeping and humanitar- ian work. Presenting the award An Taoiseach said: "The Defence Forces have a proud history of international service for Ireland and on behalf of the European Union and the United Nations. I am very pleased, as Honorary President of European Movement Ireland, to present Óglaigh na hÉireann with the 2016 European of the Year award. They are a very worthy recipient, especially this year, when, as well as their ongo- ing humanitarian and peace-keeping endeavours abroad, they have played a very prominent and important role in our 1916 Centenary commemorations." Chairman of European Movement Ireland, Mr Maurice Pratt, commended the Defence Forces for their perfor- mance and record on peace-support operations since 1958. He also praised our Naval Service personnel for their contribution to Operation Pontus, where over 15,000 lives have been saved in the Mediterranean, saying: "The Irish Defence Forces have stepped up to the mark in the interna- tional arena and have made the entire nation of Ireland proud, making them a very commendable deserving winner of the 2016 European Movement Ireland European of the Year award." The Defence Forces were represented at the event by person- nel drawn from all services, and included personnel recently re- turned from overseas service. Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, ac- cepted the award on behalf of the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann and thanked European Movement Ireland for the award and for hosting the event. In his address Vice Admiral Mellett said: "This is a special tribute that endorses the considerable ef- forts and sacrifices our personnel make in order to fulfil the roles we have been as- signed, not only in the international arena, but also domestically and particularly dur- ing this year of cente- nary commemoration. It is testament to the outstanding service of our soldiers, sailors and aircrew who seek to inspire pride and lead excellence in the performance of their duties, at home and abroad, on land, sea and air." European Movement Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish NGO working on European af- fairs. An independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation, EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. It facilitates links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, educa- tion programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events. For more information, visit: www.europeanmovement.ie

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