An Cosantóir

in focus | 13 ONE Fuchsia Launch 2012 BY SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PHOTOS JIM O'CONNOR O their Fuchsia appeal in Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Seán McCann. The funds raised by selling these €2 badges in honour of our re- n July 2nd, the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (ONE) launched ick City to open a Drop-in centre. The centre will be a meeting point where veterans can go for advice and a friendly chat over tea or cof- fee. It is hoped that this project will be a template for further projects in the future. The Fuchsia was chosen as the Pictured at the launch l/r: Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald, Ollie O'Connor (CEO ONET), Lt Gen Seán McCann COS, Martin Coyne (Chairman ONET), Brig Gen Derry Fitzgerald (GOC 1 S Bde), Austin Berry and Lt Elizabeth Barrett (NS). to ensure the welfare of ex-service- men and women, they also promote comradeship between serving and retired members as well as pro- viding information on pensions, social welfare and other entitle- ments. They are with the support of Limerick City Council in the process of refurbishing premises in Limer- tired Defence Force colleagues who have fallen on hard times, goes into opening up and maintaining the ac- commodation for them. ONE needs over €600,000 annually to run its current facilities in Dublin, Athlone and Letterkenny. The organisation is currently providing accommoda- tion for 40 former Defence Forces members. One of ONE's overall objectives is emblem back in 2007, as it grows all over Ireland and was seen as a reminder of home when seen from overseas. The Fuchsia badge is stamped with the words 'Cuimhnimis' (let us remem- ber), in remembrance of those that have served and the many who have given their lives while serving. Another fitting tribute is the title of ONE's main residence in Smithfield, Dublin 'Brú na bhFiann' translated as 'home of the brave'. Ollie O'Connor CEO of ONE said "The Fuscia appeal is of critical importance to the organisation. The three homes do not only provide fitting tribute to ONE, for their con- tinued assistance and support pro- vided to ex-members of Óglaigh na hÉireann. He quoted General Richard Mulcahy "Óglaigh na hÉireann has been the people, is the people and will be the people. Our green uniform does not make us less the people. It is a cloak of our service, a curtailer of our weakness, an amplifier of our strength." accommodation, but also an op- portunity to meet and socialise with others who have served. This we feel is important. Most people who spend time with us move on to inde- pendent living, after a period of time with support and comradeship." ONE has helped over 550 former ex- servicemen with a temporary place to stay and they have been assisted in many other ways over the years. COS Lt Gen Seán McCann gave a Please see the avert on page 30 for another other way to support ONE by way of a payroll deduction of €0.50pw or €2pm. For more info on ONE please visit www. oneconnect.ie or 01 485 0666 – info@oneconnect.ie – Registered charity no: CHY13868 Chief of Staff Lt Seán McCann chats with Seán Keating a resident of Brú na bhFiann and ONE CEO Ollie O'Connor, while viewing the facilities. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

• Cover