An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 In Memory of REPoRt & PhotoS by JAMES WIMS MCJI, EDITOR, MEATH TOPIC All involved give their time and facilities on an entirely free and voluntary basis, and all proceeds from the shop are split between Post 20 and Bundoran Costal Rescue, which was one of the key participants in attempting to rescue Gavin and subsequently recovered his body last August. Mullingar man Eddie Robinson, National Chairman of IUNVA and Patricia 'Trish' Payton, Gavin's mother, have been instrumental in setting up the charity shop. "All are welcome to visit the charity shop in Columb Barracks, either to donate items for sale, or to view all that is on display and buy some of the items at the keenest of prices, either for themselves or as gifts and presents for family mem- bers and friends," Eddie says. Eddie explained that the shop has a huge range of items for sale at very reasonable prices, including ornaments, delph and other kitchenware, books, electrical items, souvenirs, children's clothes, school uniforms, CDs and DVDs, bric-a-brac, and lots more. Members of the public are welcome to visit the shop to buy items, or to browse without obligation. They are also welcome to donate items, including books, household items, children's clothes, school uniforms, and all else. Trish Payton said that at the moment the charity shop is open from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays, but as its success continues it is hoped that the days and times of openings may expand. Trish has volunteered to staff the shop each day, and she says she and the veterans are delighted at the support it has received since opening. The Department of Defence has given the members of Post 20 the use of the former Officers' Mess including 'G' Block in Columb Bks and the charity shop is located across the barracks square from the main entrance, on the ground floor of the former Officers' Mess. It is in the ground floor of the adjoining 'H' Block, which is signposted and has the letter 'H' over the entrance door. P ost 20 Mull- ingar, of the Irish United nations Veterans Association (IUnVA), in conjunc- tion with the mother of Cpl Gavin 'Care bear' Carey, a 27-year-old Mullingar soldier from 2 Arty Regt who drowned in a swimming accident in bundoran last August, have combined to provide a public charity shop in Columb bks, Mullingar, which at present opens four days a week. Ring buoy West of Ireland. Photo: Shane Smyth Cpl Gavin Carey (centre) holding the 2 BAR pennant is pictured with his unit members at the 2015 2 Bde Military Skills Competition in Kilbride Camp. Photo: Armn Jamie Martin, 105 Sqn Conor Carey, a brother of the late Cpl Gavin Carey, brings his mother Trish a flask of tea to the Charity Shop supporting IUNVA and Bundoran Coastal Rescue. Members of Mullingar Post 20, IUNVA in the Charity Shop with Mrs Trish Carey Payton on St. Patrick's Day, from left: Paddy Gallagher, Joe Boyce, Arty Dunne, Ray Matthews, Joe Quinn and Davy Robinson, Chairman of Post 20.

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