Óglaigh na hÉireann

Today, the 25th of May, is Memorial Day in the United States of America. On this day, they remember US Servicemen and Woman who have died in service. As part of the day, a plaque commemorating Irish born Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher will be unveiled at the Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will be attended by Cpl Gallagher's comrades as well as his family, who have travelled from Ireland for the unveiling. Cpl Gallagher, a native of of Ballyhaunis, County Mayo emigrated to Long Island, New York before enlisting in the Marine Corps. In 1966, Cpl Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross after using his own body to shield his fellow Marines from a grenade. Cpl Gallagher survived this heroic act, but was tragically killed in action days before his tour of duty was set to end. Cpl Gallagher's legacy and bravery has been immortalised through the naming of an Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer, the USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127), which has just began its sea trials and soon active service in the US Navy. @MtSoledad1

Recently, personnel from the Corps of Engineers conducted Engineer Specialist Search and Clearance (ESSC) training exercises, enhancing specialist search and clearance capabilities across a range of demanding operational environments. Training activities included rope access operations in elevated structures, confined space search procedures, and the integration of advanced technologies including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems. These exercises ensure ESSC personnel remain trained, agile, and prepared to operate effectively in complex and dynamic environments. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, ESSC capability will form an important element of the wider national security framework supporting high-profile Government and international engagements. The continued development of these specialist capabilities reinforces the Defence Forces’ readiness to support An Garda Síochána security operations and contribute to a safe and professionally delivered Presidency.

Chalk 1 of the 127th Infantry Battalion has returned home, in the coming weeks, the mission of the 127th Infantry Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) draws to a close following a challenging and demanding deployment in South Lebanon. Throughout their deployment, the personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion operated in an increasingly complex and volatile environment, carrying out their duties with professionalism, resilience and dedication. Despite the many challenges faced during the mission, the Battalion continued to uphold the highest standards of service while representing Ireland and Óglaigh na hÉireann with distinction on the international stage. The men and women of the 127th Infantry Battalion demonstrated exceptional commitment in the service of peace and stability, reflecting great credit on themselves, their families and the Defence Forces. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #UNIFIL #DefendOurState

Today at Casement Aerodrome, the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, presented commissions to the 43rd Wings Course Class and the 1st Air Traffic Cadet Class.

On Thursday, 15 MAY 26, the first chalk of the 127th Infantry Battalion arrived home following a challenging and demanding deployment with UNIFIL in South Lebanon. Throughout their deployment, personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion operated in a complex and volatile environment, displaying professionalism, resilience and courage while representing Ireland and Óglaigh na hÉireann with distinction. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState

The Irish Defence Forces is a place for everyone. Different backgrounds and experiences strengthen our operational capability. We celebrate difference. We serve together and stand stronger together.

A C295 mission to Kosovo recently saw Defence Forces personnel and mission sustainment supplies delivered to our contingent serving with KFOR, as Ireland continues its long-standing commitment to the NATO-led peace support mission. Supporting those who serve Ireland overseas remains a priority for the Defence Forces.

Today, the Defence Forces Cavalry Corps Team (Callsign Shamrock 1) took home first place in the Bradley category in the 2026 Sullivan Cup. The Defence Forces Cavalry Corps team competed in the 2026 Sullivan Cup, hosted in Fort Benning, GA, USA. The purpose of the Sullivan Cup is to identify and recognise the most skilled armoured vehicle crews internationally. The competition consisted of gunnery live fire lanes by day and night, vehicle maintenance, crew knowledge, call for fire, AFV recognition, medical lanes and physical fitness challenges. Our team had a two week window to train up in theatre on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle having never used the platform before. After completing two weeks of training successfully, the competition started on 30 APR 26 and the Cavalry Corps emerged as the winners.

Last week, The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Colm O'Luasa, reviewed the 128th Infantry Battalion at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick. The 128th Infantry Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Damian Carroll, will deploy to UNIFIL throughout May for their 6 month tour of duty.

Yesterday, Wednesday, 06 MAY 2026, the 102nd State Commemoration of the 1916 Rising took place at Arbour Hill. The ceremony at Arbour Hill first began in 1923, with the first State commemoration taking place in 1924. Since then, the ceremony has taken place annually at the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Church of the Defence Forces, which is collocated with the burial site of the executed leaders of 1916. President Catherine Connolly laid a wreath in solemn tribute to those who died for Irish freedom. The ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste Simon Harris, The Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, past and present members of the Defence Forces, members of Government, relatives of the 1916 leaders and relatives of others who fought in the Rising. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState

IRL286 has returned from Beirut after transporting the 128th Infantry Battalion advance party and sustainment supplies to UNIFIL, and bringing home members of the 127th Infantry Battalion. #BEMORE #IrishAirCorps #ÓglaighnahÉireann

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

110 years later: people and places, mapped. 1916 stories, uncovered. Click the link below for more information. militaryarchives.ie/en/online-coll…

The Defence Forces wishes to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of the French peacekeeper who lost his life today and our thoughts are with his colleagues who are recovering at this time. We strongly condemn any attack on UNIFIL personnel and remind all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international law. The situation in South Lebanon remains highly volatile, however all Irish personnel are well and accounted for. Personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion continue to employ force protection measures enabling them to continue to observe and monitor the ongoing conflict in line with UNSCR 1701. Óglaigh na hÉireann remains resolute in its commitment to UNIFIL.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Today, there will be a convoy of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers travelling from Cork City to the Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare. We can confirm that this convoy is the 128th Infantry Battalion conducting mission readiness exercises ahead of deployment to UNIFIL next month. Mission Readiness Exercises are critical activities to train and prepare our personnel for conducting duties in Southern Lebanon.

Today, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 101st Cadet Class at the Defence Forces Training Centre, The Curragh, Co Kildare. Held on Pearse Square within the Military College, the ceremony marked a significant milestone for the cadets, recognising the successful completion of an intensive 18 month programme of military, tactical, physical and academic training since October 2024. This is a proud and defining moment for the members of the 101st Cadet Class as they transition from cadets to commissioned officers, ready to serve with professionalism, integrity and commitment. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Óglaigh na hÉireann and the careers of these cadets who have earned the privilege to serve as officers in the Irish Defence Forces. Once commissioned, they assume the responsibility of leadership and are entrusted with the command of our most valuable asset, our people. I have every confidence that they will uphold and champion the Defence Forces values. I wish them well as they begin their new role within the organisation and I look forward to them serving with distinction both at home and overseas.”

The Defence Forces are aware of images circulating of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers in convoy. We can confirm that these are the personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion conducting mission readiness exercises ahead of deployment to UNIFIL next month. Mission Readiness Exercises are critical activities to train and prepare our personnel for conducting duties in Southern Lebanon.

Following the detention of a UNIFIL Peacekeeper earlier today, Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that all Irish personnel deployed in Southern Lebanon are well and accounted for. All necessary force protection measures continue be to observed. We condemn any interference of UNIFIL personnel carrying out their mandated taskings and remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. Read UNIFIL's statement at the link below.  t.me/UNIFIL_Lebanon

Today, President Catherine Connolly joined over 160 personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann to commemorate the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Captain Eva Houlihan read the Proclamation of the Republic on the steps of the General Post Office, marking 110 years since Pádraig Pearse first delivered it at that historic location. She was joined by Representative Elements from each service and formation, the Cadet School Honour Guard, a Tri Service Captain’s Guard of Honour, the Defence Forces Band and Pipe Band. 2 Cavalry Squadron provided an Escort of Honour for the President. The ceremony concluded with an Air Corps flyover. #ÓglaighnahÉireann