An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 9 Defences Forces Review 2016 by PAUL O'BRIEN MA PhotoS by CPL LEE COYLE C athal brugha bks, Rathmines, was a fit- ting location for the launch of the Defence Forces Review 2016 on Saturday 19th No- vember. Now in its 13th edition, this year's Review comprised 23 articles written by military, academic and civilian contributors. the objectives of the Re- view were: to develop and demonstrate the intel- lectual capability within Óglaigh na hÉireann and encourage serving and former members to engage in critical thinking and debate; to provide for an accurate and deeper understanding of contempo- rary research, both within and outside Óglaigh na hÉireann on matters of national and military inter- est; and to contribute to the wider discourse and reflection on events of 1916 and the emergence of modern Ireland. In keeping with tradition, the Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, launched the Review in the presence of the contributors, editorial team and invited guests. The importance of Military Archives and its invaluable staff in cataloguing, making available important documentation and facilitating histori- ans and researchers in their work, was mentioned by a number of speakers. Extracts from 19 papers were delivered on the day by their respective authors and a Q&A session after each presentation provided lively debate on an array of subjects. Papers varied from Military Innovation in Ireland 1916-23 by Prof Tim Hoyt, and History, Memory and Commemoration – an Archivist's Perspective by Comdt Stephen Mac Eoin, to a very informative talk on garrison towns in Ireland by Dr Aoife Bhreat- nach. Mr Mark Seaman presented his work 'The Troubles' – An Irish inspiration for SOE? This excel- lent paper was a re-examination of a long standing theory concerning SOE's origins. It was interesting to consider that the Irish War of Independence may have laid the foundation stones for groups like SOE, the Commandos and the SAS. Tours of Military Archives and the barracks mu- seum were also provided on the day, which enabled people to see at firsthand the wonderful work car- ried out by Óglaigh na hÉireann in preserving our nation's heritage and history. Editors Col David Dignam, Comdt Mil Col, Dr Ian Speller, Maynooth University, Prof Eunan O'Halpin, Trinity College Dublin with DF Chief of Staff Vice Admr Mark Mellett DSM. Irish academics and historians pictured during presentations by respective authors. Comdt Lar Joye RDF (Curator Soldiers and Cheifs Exhibition, National Museum of Ireland) and Brig Gen Paul Fry GOC Air Corps.

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