Óglaigh na hÉireann

Defence Forces Throwback Thursday In today's episode of our new Throwback Thursday series we are looking at Escort of Honour with the Cavalry in Aras an Uachtaràin 1995. #óglaighnahéireann #defendourstate #defendourstate

Óglaigh na hÉireann notes with deep sadness the passing of Ronnie Delany, Olympic gold medallist and a true inspiration to generations. A member of the 28th Cadet Class in 1953, Ronnie maintained a lifelong connection with the Cadet School. In 2000, he presented a National Flag that had flown over the medal podium at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, where he secured gold in the 1,500m. A symbol that continues to inspire Cadets to this day. That same flag, preserved for over four decades, now holds pride of place in the Cadets’ Mess, representing excellence, dedication and national pride. Ronnie Delany’s legacy endures not only in Irish sporting history, but within the spirit and ethos of our Cadets. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

A very happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of Óglaigh na hÉireann’s troops currently deployed overseas.

Last week, a ceremony was held at the Defence Forces Training Centre, The Curragh Camp, to mark the stand down of General Officer Commanding DFTC, Brigadier General McGuinness. Brig Gen McGuinness joined Óglaigh na hÉireann in December 1982 as a member of the 59th Cadet Class at the Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare. He was commissioned in April 1984 as a Second Lieutenant to the 29 Infantry Battalion in Co. Monaghan. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Brig Gen McGuinness held a number of key appointments including Aide-de-Camp to Chief of Staff Lt Gen Dermot Early, Officer Commanding 7 Infantry Battalion in Dublin, Commandant of the Military College, and most recently General Officer Commanding of the Defence Forces Training Centre. He also served with distinction on several overseas missions including with UNIFIL in Lebanon, the OSCE in Bosnia, UNTSO in Lebanon, KFOR in Kosovo, and EUFOR in Bosnia. Brig Gen McGuinness holds a Bachelor of Arts from University College Galway and later completed a Master’s in Business and Executive Coaching. He played a leading role in developing and advancing the Defence Forces coaching and mentoring programme, supporting the professional development of personnel across the organisation. Outside of his military duties, Brig Gen McGuinness has been a strong supporter of Defence Forces sport, particularly basketball, where his enthusiasm and professionalism greatly benefited Defence Forces Basketball. Last week’s ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding service and contribution of Brig Gen McGuinness to Óglaigh na hÉireann. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #IrishDefenceForces #DefendOurState

Mother's Day Message from the 127th Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL. To our Mothers, the Mothers that are at home without us and to the Mothers that serve alongside us. The Irish mother is as iconic as the Irish Peacekeeper. We know you worry about us but you would worry no matter where we were. We know you want us home. We will come home when our tour is done. We are grateful for everything you do. We hope that we are doing you proud. Happy Mother's Day from the 127th Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL. You are the real heroes.

Bí Níos Mó! #óglaighnahéireann #irishdefenceforces #defendourstate

The Defence Forces say Irish UN peacekeeping troops in Lebanon remain well and accounted for. Fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants is continuing close to where Irish troops are based. #VMNews

This week, in recognition of International Women’s Day, members of Óglaigh na hÉireann and the Department of Defence came together for a special event highlighting the contribution, leadership and experiences of women across the organisations. Facilitated by the Defence Women’s Network, the event brought together personnel for a programme focused on civil military cooperation and the role of women in defence and public service. The event featured an opening address by Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD, followed by opening remarks from Secretary General of the Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy. Attendees also heard a career reflection from recently retired Lieutenant Colonel Geraldine Browne, while Noeline Blackwell delivered the guest address. The event concluded with a panel discussion exploring leadership, service and the continued advancement of women within the Defence Forces. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #InternationalWomensDay #DefendOurState

The latest episode of the Defence Forces Podcast focuses on the Defence Forces Soccer Team. It is available on all podcast platforms, YouTube or via the link below. open.spotify.com/episode/2wi0qP…

Families of serving personnel from Óglaigh na hÉireann gathered at Dublin Zoo this weekend for a special Defence Forces Family Day dedicated to supporting the families of those currently serving overseas. The event brought together children, partners and loved ones of deployed personnel for a day of activities, connection and community. Family days such as this recognise the vital role families play in supporting members of the Defence Forces while they serve the State both at home and overseas. While deployments can take personnel far from home, initiatives like this help ensure families remain connected, supported and part of the wider Defence Forces community. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces

MEDICAL EVACUATION OF GHANA ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL Yesterday, Irish Defence Forces personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion (IRISHPOLBATT) in UNIFIL, responded to a request for assistance after United Nations Post (UNP) 5-66 was struck amidst heavy fire. Three personnel of the Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT), garrisoned in UNP 5-66, were wounded in the strike and required medial evacuation. IRISHPOLBATT deployed their Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Armoured Ambulance and Fire Fighting Teams to UNP 5-66 in order to provide assistance and casualty evacuation. Having been stabilised by GHANBATT medical personnel, the casualty was transferred to the Irish Armoured Ambulance. Irish medical personnel continued to stabilise the casualty before handing them over to the Italian Air Medical Evacuation Team, at the IRISHPOLBATT helipad, at UNP 2-45. Irish QRF and Fire Fighting personnel continued to provide assistance to UNP 5-66. The actions taken by our personnel demonstrate the highest level of professionalism during a time of significant volatility and instability in the region. The preparation and training of our Army personnel prior to deployment ensures that IRISHPOLBATT can respond to these incidents efficiently and effectively. Óglaigh na hÉireann remains resolute in its commitment to UNIFIL and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and condemns any attack on UN Peacekeepers. Our personnel continue to be well and accounted for and our thoughts are with our colleagues in GHANBATT at this time. ENDS

Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that all Irish personnel deployed in Southern Lebanon are well and accounted for. Irish troops and bases were not targeted in the attack today on UNIFIL personnel. All necessary force protection measures continue be to observed. We condemn any attack on UNIFIL personnel and remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers.

The latest episode of the Defence Forces Podcast focuses on the Central Medical Unit. It is available on all podcast platforms, YouTube or via the link below. open.spotify.com/episode/0ttQNG…

On Wednesday 25th February, The Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge Prize Event took place at the Central Bank, Dublin. This event marked a significant milestone in the Defence Forces & Department of Defence’s flagship research programme. Minister for Defence Helen McEntee T.D. and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless T.D., announced over €1.8m in prize funding for the successful teams, Sea Scan and MASH. This challenge is a national initiative aimed at unlocking the power of research to develop innovative solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces at a time of increased global focus on defence readiness.

Defence Forces Throwback Thursday In today's episode of our new Throwback Thursday series we are looking at Cadet Riot Training from 2005! #óglaighnahéireann #defendourstate #defendourstate

The Minister for Defence, @HMcEntee TD, has confirmed that the Department of Defence has signed a €17.65 million contract for the construction of a new Army Ranger Wing Headquarters at Defence Forces Training Centre on the Curragh. Read more here: gov.ie/en/department-…

Check out the February monthly update from Óglaigh na hÉireann. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces