As published in the September 2017 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine
By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald – Photos by Sgt Mick Burke
Tony Stafford, is a retired NCO with 22 years’ of service in the Defence Forces
Normally, when I have written about the Fuchsia Appeal over the last six years, I have never used residents’ names in attributing quotes or interviews in order to protect their identities and not to cause them any possible embarrassment. So, we were extremely grateful that on a recent visit to Brú na bhFiann (Home of the Brave), one resident wanted to go on the record in order to give our readers a more personal insight into one resident’s story.
Tony Stafford, is a retired NCO with 22 years’ of service. During that time Tony served in many locations including 2 Fd Sigs and Air Support Signals. He spent the latter part of his career working in Personnel Support Services (PSS), helping members of the Defence Forces deal with personal problems, including addiction, depression and marriage breakups. Tony did a course in addiction counselling at Trinity College and he joined the HSE as a community drug and alcohol addiction counsellor soon after leaving the Defence Forces.
“When I served as a PSS officer,” Tony told us, “I would have referred many personnel to ONE for help and advice: little did I know that in time I would find myself knocking on their door.”
A few years ago Tony’s marriage broke down and he was ordered by the court to sell the family home. After the sale, he found himself without enough to buy a new home and turned to ONE for help. “Luckily my children had grown up into adults, unlike many others that go through a breakup,” Tony added.
Resident in Brú na bhFiann for the last eight months, Tony recently successfully agreed on a new mortgage for a home outside the city. It will be tough as the mortgage must be paid back within a short number of years before his retirement at 65 but he still considers himself one of the lucky ones.
“We need to change the perception that everyone who finds themselves homeless are all alcoholics or ‘down and outs’,” he says. “I have met so many nice people in Brú na bhFiann; many have similar backgrounds and problems but we all have our own story to tell.
“The last eight months have been a real journey for me personally. Homelessness can bring with it other serious issues and problems, like depression and addiction.
“However, it is with great thanks to the manager and staff of Brú na bhFiann that we have a place to call home. It must be one of the best-run places in the city, and would act as a model of ‘best practice’ in the homeless sector.”
On leaving the home Tony made a submission to ONE’s board of directors with a few recommendations, based on his expertise as a counsellor and as a resident of Brú na bhFiann, on how the home’s services could be improved and further developed.
We will leave the final words on Brú na bhFiann to one of the main driving forces behind its establishment, Pat Dunleavy (RIP), who passed away in 2005. Pat was an original founding member of the ONE’s housing initiative in the early ‘90s, going as far as mortgaging his family home to fund the first Brú na bhFiann home on Queen Street. Pat’s heartfelt message is engraved on a park bench on the home’s rooftop garden for all to read:
‘Tread softly my friend and sit by my dream. Enjoy our new home and the tranquillity it seems. Our friends and comrades visit us now. My dream is complete by tree’s yonder bow.’
Tony sitting on the bench in the roof garden with the quote from Pat Dunleavy (RIP).
Tony stayed in Brú na bhFiann for 10 months before moving on to his new home, this is the main goal of ONE’s homes is so residents can move on to permanent housing within the shortest time possible.
Although the Fuchsia Appeal’s main focus was during July (the month in which the National Day of Commemoration falls) the appeal runs throughout the year, once-off donations can be made on www.one-veterans.org. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
As published in the September 2017 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine
By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald – Main image by Wayne – Photos by Armn Adam Murphy
“I am delighted as Patron of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel to have this opportunity to visit this wonderful facility and it is appropriate to have these great services available to people who served Ireland at home and abroad. It is a basic right to have food and shelter and it’s important to take steps to break the cycle of poverty…”
Michael D. Higgins,President of Ireland, November 2016.
This year was also unique in that the ONE’s Fuchsia Appeal made several appearances in the storyline of RTÉ’s long-running soap, Fair City, with ONE members making cameo appearances as extras.
In launching the appeal Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett DSM said it is right that we help our former Defence Forces colleagues and that, “the ONE played an important role in providing comradeship and care for former service personnel.”
On a dull wet day at the end of June 2017 a large number of serving soldiers and Defence Forces Veterans gathered at the Defence Forces Monument at Merrion Square West. They were not there to lay wreaths to commemorate Ireland’s fallen soldiers but to support fundraising for veterans now living during harder times and in need of support. On the same day an Irish Times headline read: ‘More than 700 former Army personnel have stayed in residential homes provided by a support organisation over the last 12 years’ the article was about how former Defence Forces Veterans’ were caught up in Ireland’s homelessness crisis.
On the 28th June, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, launched ONE’s Fuchsia Appeal 2017 at the Defence Forces Monument, Merrion Square West. Minister for State with Responsibility for Defence Mr Paul Kehoe TD and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Larry O’Toole were also at the launch, which drew a large attendance.
Pictured at the launch (L/R): ONE’s National President Mick Carroll, ONE’s CEO Ollie O’Connor, ONE’s National Chairman Paddy Rooney, DF COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, and Minister for State with Responsibility for Defence Mr Paul Kehoe TD.
Funds raised will be used to support former members of the Defence Forces who have fallen on hard times. ONE has to raise €600,000 annually to run its current facilities, which include residential centres in Dublin, Letterkenny and Athlone, and support centres in Dundalk and Limerick. The veteran’s organisation is currently providing accommodation for up to 40 former Defence Forces members and is expanding its network of veteran support centres in regional locations that have large numbers of ex-servicemen and women.
Since 1994, over 700 former members of the Defence Forces have been provided with a place to stay and many others have been assisted in various ways.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett DSM
Regarding the annual appeal, Ollie O’Connor (ONE CEO) says: “The Fuchsia Appeal is fundamental to our efforts to protect former members of the Defence Forces from homelessness and poverty. The funds raised by the appeal enable us to help former colleagues at a challenging time in their lives. Many of these people gave outstanding service to the State and the UN but for one reason or another have fallen on hard times, since leaving the service.”
The fuchsia, known as ‘Deora Dé’ (God’s tears) in the West of Ireland, was chosen as the emblem of the appeal as it is grows throughout the country and was always a reminder of home when seen overseas.
Ollie told the Irish Times, “We hope to open another eight support centres in various barracks around the country in the next few months. Veterans find themselves homeless for the same reason as anyone else would. …it could be a social problem, a relationship break-up or it could be because of the nature of the job, they became institutionalised and they find it difficult to live independently outside of the institution,” he said.
He concluded, “Veterans are very slow to come forward when they have a problem, because they’re very proud. They have served all over the world, have done great things and very brave things and they will look after everybody except themselves.”
Minister Kehoe said he was proud to help launch the Fuchsia Appeal, “Since its establishment in the early 1950s, the services provided by ONE have been very much in demand. ONE dedicates itself to looking after the needs and welfare of ex-service personnel and in particular, to providing practical support for those in need of accommodation.”
Minister for State with Responsibility for Defence Mr Paul Kehoe TD
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
As published in the July 2018 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine
Report & Photos by Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald
On 13th June 2018, An Cosantóir visited Custume House, Athlone, which houses a number of former soldiers who have fallen on hard times. The completely refurbished, former GOC’s residence has seven bedrooms, a family room and a TV/reading room and was officially opened in November 2006. The project also received assistance from the Defence Forces, the DoD, and the local authorities in Athlone and Westmeath. The rent is means-tested and kept at an affordable level.
In 2015 the original house manager, Aiden Byrne, handed over the reins to Paddy McManus, whose 40-year military career was spent in Custume Bks. His last 16 years were with the PSS, where he took a number of degree/diploma courses, including the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in UCC and counselling in UL. Paddy, whose father and six brothers all served in the Defence Forces, retired in 2012 and joined his local ONE branch in Athlone, where he is now branch secretary.
Over a coffee I chatted with Paddy and the residents, two of whom are there since Custume House opened, while another has only been there a few months. The oldest resident is 72 and the youngest 55, and while they all served in Athlone or Mullingar they come from many parts of the country, including Dublin and Donegal.
The cleanliness of the house was very impressive, with the rooms, kitchen, and toilets all spotless. There was also a large well-kept garden to the rear with many flowers beginning to bloom.
Paddy explained:“It’s their home and is respected as such by all residents. There are simple rules: respect for each other and the home. They are all great lads and they keep the place tidy. It also means we don’t have to hire a cleaner.”
Many residents have skills that are utilised daily. These include an electrician and a carpenter, who both carry out maintenance and decorating, and a paramedic who volunteers locally as a medic.
While residents look after their own breakfast and lunch, former DF chef, Gerry Fallon, comes in most days to prepare the main evening meal.
On the financial side, Paddy’s budget, provided by ONE, is broken down to cover subheads like maintenance, utility bills and food. The property also has a mortgage from Westmeath Co Council.
Speaking about the funds required to maintain the home, Paddy stressed the continual, tireless work of Trisha McLoughlin, who has fundraised €10,000 in the last few years.
The house manager also thanked OC Custume Bks and 6 Inf Bn, Lt Col Johnny Whittaker, for the much-needed support and fundraising provided by the serving members in Custume Barracks. “This is a garrison town,” Paddy said, “and everyone has someone in the DF or a connection, so there is great support locally when fundraising. We like funds raised locally to stay local, so we always try to use local traders.”
Over 700 veterans have now been provided with a home over the last few decades, and ONE needs €600,000 annually to run its three facilities, with more needed as there are waiting lists for all homes. Discussing the reasons why veterans need the services provided by ONE’s homeless initiatives, which have been going since 1994, Paddy said, “It’s a snapshot of society. If you look at other professional bodies they would have a similar percentage of their workforce who have experienced life difficulties that resulted in their need for a place to live, because of either separation or financial problems.”
On 27th June ONE launched their annual Fuchsia Appeal at the DF Monument in Merrion Square with the Minister with Responsibility for Defence Mr Paul Keogh TD and Defence Forces COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM. This is ONE’s main fundraising initiative and runs throughout the year, so please support their stalwart efforts. ONE CEO Ollie O’Connor said, “It is a great tragedy that some of our former veterans end up homeless and continue to be victims of the homeless crisis gripping the country.”
An Appreciation of the Niemba Ambush on its 60th Anniversary – By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald
“The UN ‘blue helmets’ are literally on the front lines in conflicts that are the worst of the worst: protecting civilians, monitoring cease-fires, clearing minefields, and disarming combatants…” – US Senator Joe Biden, now the 46th President of the United States of America
UN Helmet by Michael McDonnell
We would normally meet and celebrate the memory of our fallen comrades at Niemba at this time, but not this year unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions – which in itself has brought tragedy and grief to too many families in Ireland and around the world to dismiss.
Every year we gather in Cathal Brugha Barracks to lay wreaths in memory of those that died in the Niemba Ambush in 1960 – the event is organised by the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) along with the logistical support of the 7 Infantry Battalion. The event is always attended by large numbers including the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Defence Forces General Staff, military attachés along with representatives from RACO, PDFORRA, RDFRA, ONE, IUNVA, ARCO, and other smaller veterans’ associations, Congo veterans and the family members of deceased Congo veterans. It is truly a solemn occasion and one I’ve attended with great respect and interest as editor of An Cosantóir: The Defence Forces Magazine over the last number of years.
“The UN has over 100,000 Peacekeepers on the ground, in places others can’t or won’t go, doing things others can’t or won’t do. Peace, like war, must be waged.” – George Clooney
After nearly a century of Belgian rule, the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference took place in Brussels from January 29th to 20th February 1960 with the date for Congolese independence set for 30th June 1960. The Congo faced a period of civil unrest up to this date.
In April 1960 the first-ever Irish peacekeepers who served with United Nations Observation Group In Lebanon (UNOGIL) were awarded their UN medals by An Taoiseach Seán Lemass. This was a great first for the Defence Forces and the start to a peacekeeping tradition that has been unbroken for the next 62 years.
When the Congo gained independence on June 30th, they held free elections with Patrice Lumumba being named as prime minister and Joseph Kasavubu as president. On July 5th, the states’ gendarmerie and military ‘Force Publique’ (later retitled as the Congolese National Army or ANC) mutinied demanding a pay rise and the sacking of their Belgian officers. This resulted in Belgian troops intervening to protect Belgian civilians and to put down the mutiny. The newly formed Congo government sacked its Belgian General Janssens and appointed Victor Lundala a sergeant major as their new commander-in-chief.
At this time the mineral-rich province of Katanga declares its independence under the leadership of Moise Tshombe along with the support of Belgian companies and around 6,000 Belgian troops. On July 12th the new government of Lumumba and Kasavubu sought armed UN intervention to prevent a civil war and called on Belgium to withdraw her troops.
Members of the 32 Inf Bn head to the Congo. UN Photo #105384
Three weeks later on July 19th, the Irish Government accedes to a request from the UN Security Council to send an Irish Infantry Battalion to Opération des Nations Unies au Congo (ONUC) or in English the United Nations Operation in the Congo. To glorious applause and show of support to their countrymen, the 32 Inf Bn paraded down a packed O’Connell St., passing the historic GPO. On July 27th the US Airforce airlifted them from Baldonnel Aerodrome to the Congo on their massive Globemaster aeroplanes.
On September 5th, President Kasavubu sacks Lumumba after only 67 days in power and installs Joseph Ileo as prime minister. Shortly after on August 12th, UN troops entered Katanga, with the Belgian troops withdrawing. The Emperor of the Balubas, Albert Kalonji also declares the diamond-rich South Kasai as an independent state.
Within a few short weeks of the 32 Inf Bn departing Ireland, the 33 Inf Bn was dispatched on August 16th to the Congo, this was following a further UN request for more troops. 33 Inf Bn was located in different parts of Albertville, except for A Coy, which was located in Kamina.
Dag Hammarskjold is credited with saying, “Peacekeeping is a job not suited to soldiers, but a job only soldiers can do.”
The Niemba Ambush was the first-time Irish soldiers were involved in a combat engagement since the ending of the Civil War in 1922. And that the Niemba Ambush was, and still remains, the greatest loss of life overseas in a single incident for the Irish Defence Forces.
Comdt Louis Hogan, OC A Coy, 33rd Inf Bn (left) is seen here dictating orders to CS Mick O’Brien at Kamina base area, 1st August 1961. UN Photo #105689
In the weeks leading up to the day of the patrol, there was a heavily armed Gendarmerie mobile platoon consisting of about twenty-seven Congolese and eight Belgians who carried out daily patrols in the Niemba area.
There had been daily clashes and raids between the Baluba tribes and the European mercenaries and the Gendarmerie, resulting in huts and villages being burnt down – It is said that this made the Balubas sceptical of white European soldiers.
No 2 Platoon, A Coy, 33 Inf Bn. Photo: South Dublin County Libraries / WM_4713
On 8th November 1960, Lt Kevin Gleeson (Terenure, Dublin) commanded an 11-man patrol from No 2 Platoon, A Coy, 33 Inf Bn. Lt Gleeson was assisted by Sgt Hugh Gaynor (Leixlip, Co Kildare), and his NCOs Cpl Peter Kelly (Templeogue, Dublin), and Cpl Liam Dougan (Cabra, Dublin). The rest of the patrol was made up of Pte Matthew Farrell (Swords, Dublin), Tpr Thomas Fennell (Donnycarney, Dublin), Tpr Anthony Browne (Rialto, Dublin), Pte Michael McGuinn (Blackhorse Ave, Dublin), Pte Gerard Killeen (Queen St., Dublin), Pte Joseph Fitzpatrick (Charlemont St., Dublin) and Pte Thomas Kenny (Ballyfermot, Dublin).
Reading the 33 Inf Bn Unit History, Lt Gleeson had patrolled the area of the ambush the day before where they had been out dismantling roadblocks and repairing bridges in the Niemba area of operations. They also found natives armed with bows and arrows who claimed to be Pygmys and not Balubas.
At about 1330 hours on that faithful day, Lt Gleeson’s patrol left as instructed to recce the road south towards Kinsukulu. They travelled in a Land Rover and a Volkswagen pick-up. Lt Gleeson and the three NCOs carried Gustaf machine guns along with Tpr Browne. Privates McGuinn and Fennell carried two Bren Guns, and the rest were riflemen.
An hour and a half into the patrol and having bypassed a few roadblocks, the patrol was stopped as three Baluba tribesmen stood on the road armed with bows and arrows. Lt Gleeson and Sgt Gaynor approached them with local greetings, but they disappeared into the bush. Lt Gleeson ordered the patrol to get out of the vehicles and on to the road. With some patrol members serving in the Engineers at home, they assessed the bridge but found only three planks remained. They would have to rebuild the bridge to cross, so they searched left and right to find an alternative way across the Luweyeye River.
Pte Fitzpatrick was posted at the rear of the vehicles along with Tpr Browne and they could see the Balubas moving about in the bush. Then a large group of approx 40 Baluba tribesmen came out on to the road screaming and shouting at them while heavily armed with clubs, hatchets and their custom bows and arrows. Immediately the Baluba warriors stormed the patrol before they could get the Bren Guns into action and were on top of them before they heard Lt Gleeson’s order to ‘open fire’. The patrol had to fight a rear-guard action and make their way across the river and on to the other bank. Many of them had received wounds from potentially poison-tipped arrows. The patrol members were all dispersed in the tall bush grass but were picked off and ferociously attacked by the Baluba tribesmen.
Tpr Browne having survived the initial attack broke cover and fired his Gustaf machinegun, he is thought to have escaped but later killed, as his body was not found until two years later.
Baluba warriors in the central Congo province of Kasai train for battle with homemade small arms on January 2nd, 1961. By legendary photojournalist Horst Faas, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner.
The only two peacekeepers to survive the ambush were privates Fitzpatrick and Kenny, who were very fortunate to escape with their injuries. They hid and wandered in the wild bush separately for hours before they were pickup by Irish patrols sent out to find Lt Gleeson’s patrol who had missed their check-in and failed to return.
An Irish Peacekeeper in the Bush in the Congo
It is believed that the Baluba tribesmen thought they were attacking European mercenaries who were hired by the breakaway Katanga province. The Baluba tribe had not supported the secession. It is said that the small Irish patrol who were trying to keep the bridge over River Luweyeye open, had killed and wounded a large number of the attacking Baluba tribesmen.
The Niemba Memorial being erected in the Congo in the 1960s. Photo Military Archives
The nine remains were flown home to Baldonnel, where they laid in state before a large funeral procession back through the streets of Dublin, before the funeral in Glasnevin Cemetry. Thousands of silent mourners turned out to acknowledge the sacrifices these Irishmen had paid for the cause of world peace in a country nearly seven thousand miles away.
On 8th November 1961, a year to the day, the then Irish President Éamon de Valera unveiled a plaque in Arbour Hill Church to those Irish peacekeepers who were killed in Niemba. An Taoiseach, Seán Lemass presented the only medal awarded to Lt Gleeson’s patrol – An Bonn Míleata Calmachta or The Military Medal for Gallantry (MMG) with Distinction, which was posthumously presented to Mr John Browne, father of 20-year-old Tpr Anthony Browne, from Rialto, Dublin.
Trooper anthony Browne’s MMG Citation
Tpr Browne was awarded his MMG for the heroic actions he showed during the ambush, where his citation reads, “He endeavoured to create an opportunity to allow an injured comrade to escape by firing his Gustaf thereby drawing attention to his own position which he must have been aware would endanger his life. He had a reasonable opportunity to escape because he was not wounded but chose to remain with an injured comrade.”This is the highest award and the only MMG given out of the 60 plus medals awarded to over 6,000 Irish peacekeepers who served in the Congo in a four-year period from 1960-1964. 26 Irish peacekeepers died while serving in the Congo.
In the recorded history of the 33rd Inf Bn held in Military Archives, the unit OC Lt Col R. W. Bunworth opens with, “I cannot omit mention of our great tragedy at Niemba. This will always be our special memory, a memory made poignant by the knowledge that the small and ill-fated patrol were only carrying out to the best of their ability, the role of keeping the peace in a country torn, especially in the area of 33 Infantry Battalion, by civil war.”
In the unit history, he mentions that the 33 Inf Bn were, “soon to realise the very considerable difference between the peacetime, barrack life at home in Ireland and the active service type of operation with UN in Congo.” Citing lack of experience, and the difficulty for all of them “to visualise what a UN peacekeeping mission entailed,” when they were equipped and trained in the traditional infantry weapons yet restricted in their use by the, “well-known and accepted UN policy of avoiding the use of force.”
“Peacekeeping is a soldier-intensive business in which the quality of troops matters as much as the quantity. It is not just soldiering under a different colour helmet; it differs in kind from anything else soldiers do. There are medals and rewards (mainly, the satisfaction of saving lives), but there are also casualties. And no victories. It is not a risk -free enterprise.” ― Larry Wentz, contributing Editor ‘Lessons From Bosnia: The IFOR Experience’
Operation Shamrock with injured Baluba Tribesmen being detained. Photo John Joe O’Connor
There is more to this engagement that might bring some closure. On 30th November 1960, ‘Operation Shamrock’ took place, this was a secret mission by members of B Coy 33 Inf Bn to raid the Manono Hospital for the wounded Baluba tribesmen involved in the Niemba Ambush. Five wounded Balubas were detained and brought to trial in Elizabethville in September 1961. The trial was adjourned for a while as the city was the under bitter fighting between UN and Katanga forces. The trial resumed on 12th October 1961 and proceeded with a conviction. According to the 33 Inf Bn’s unit history, that on Monday 13th November 1961, the five Niemba men accused, were found “guilty of murder and attempted murder, without pre-meditation, as well as the offence of carrying arms in an insurrectionist movement. Two of the accused were sentenced to three years’ penal servitude. The other three received sentences of two years penal servitude.” Operation Shamrock was explained in more detail by Des Keegan (IUNVA) in July-August 2018 issue of An Cosantóir.
On 26th June 1963, the US President John F Kennedy praises Irish UN peacekeepers during his visit to Ireland:
“The major forum for your nation’s greater role in world affairs is that of protector of the weak and voice of the small, the United Nations. From Cork to the Congo, from Galway to the Gaza Strip, from this legislative assembly to the United Nations, Ireland is sending its most talented men to do the world’s most important work – the work of peace.
…like the wild geese after the Battle of the Boyne, you are not content to sit by your fireside while others are in need of your help. Nor are you content with the recollections of the past when you face the responsibilities of the present.
Twenty-six sons of Ireland have died in the Congo; many others have been wounded. I pay tribute to them and to all of you for your commitment and dedication to world order. And their sacrifice reminds us all that we must not falter now.
Ireland’s influence in the United Nations is far greater than your relative size.
I speak of these matters today not because Ireland is unaware of its role, but I think it important that you know that we know what you have done, and I speak to remind the other small nations that they, too, can and must help build a world peace.
My friends, Ireland’s hour has come. You have something to give to the world, and that is a future of peace with freedom.”
In 2006, the then Irish Minister for Defence Mr Willie O’Dea is quoted by The Irish Times as saying he wholeheartedly recognised and acknowledged that “both Pte Kenny, particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained and Pte Fitzpatrick survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued.” He commended them both, “for the selfless service they have given their country.”
Niemba Plaque in Cathal Brugha Barracks, November 2020. Photo Irish Defence Forces
On Saturday 7th November 2020, the 60th Anniversary of the Niemba Ambush was commemorated in a closed ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks. Wreaths were laid by Brig-General Tony Cudmore, GOC 2 Bde, and the National Chairman of ONE Brig-General Colm Campbell retired. They were accompanied by CQMS Michael Colton retired, who is the Honorary President of Post 1, Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). CQMS Colton was also a member of the 33 Inf Bn and was one of those selected to escort the remains of those killed-in-action home.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
As published in the December 2019 /January 2020 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine
By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald – Photos by Armn Sam Gibney
Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland (1990-1997), was presented with the Tipperary International Peace Award for 2018, at the Tipperary Peace Convention 2019, at a ceremony held in the Excel Centre, Tipperary Town, on 7 November 2019.
Seán Cosgrave, IUNVA Post 24 salutes former president Mary Robinson as honorary secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention Martin Quinn accompanies her.
As Irish president she was also supreme commander of the Defence Forces, and as such would have inspected many Irish soldiers serving around the world and at home. An honour guard from Post 24 (Clonmel) and Post 4 (Tipperary) of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) greeted Mrs Robinson. The honour guard was handed over by Seán Cosgrave (Post 24), who served 11 times in Lebanon during his lengthy service.
Mrs Robinson has held the positions of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002), UN Special Envoy on the Great Lakes in Africa & Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-2014), and UN Special Envoy on Climate Change (2014-2015), and is the current chair of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders, established by Nelson Mandela in 2007, who work together for peace, justice and human rights.
Guests at the convention included members of the Dáil and Seanad, EU and international diplomats, local county councillors, senior members of An Garda Síochána, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM and Captain (NS) Brian Fitzgerald.
On entering the theatre Mrs Robinson, who was accompanied by her husband, Nicholas, was greeted with a standing ovation.
MC for the occasion, Martin Quinn, honorary secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention, regaled the audience with stories Mrs Robinson’s previous visits to Tipperary during her presidency.
In introducing this year’s award recipient, Martin said that Mary Robinson had “rocked the system around the world over the last number of decades”. He referred to her work as a politician, becoming the first female president of Ireland, her many roles with the UN, her great charitable work, and her continuous efforts to highlight climate change around the globe.
On receiving her award, Mary Robinson said she was “very honoured and very humbled” to accept the award. She went on to name some of the previous recipients before adding: “There is something special about this award.”
The former president also invited the members of the IUNVA honour guard to receive a round of applause from the packed auditorium, saying: “I inspected many a guard of honour as president – but this one was special as it was made up of Irish peacekeepers, of whom I am very proud.”
For more information on the Tipperary International Peace Award and Peace Convention visit: www.tipperarypeace.ie
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
As published in the December 2019 /January 2020 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine
Report & Photos by Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald
Cuimhnímis ‘Let Us Remember’
On Saturday 9 November 2019, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) held their 59th Annual Niemba Ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks to honour our comrades who lost their lives in the service of peace at Niemba, Congo on the 8th November 1960. Following on from last year’s ceremony, it was held indoor, starting with 12 noon mass in the Garrison Church. This was followed by a well thought out wreath laying ceremony. VIPs included the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, military attachés, Defence Forces Assistant Chief of Staff Brig Gen Peter O’Halloran, Lt Col Seán Ó Fátharta, OC 7 Inf Bn and Cathal Brugha Bks, along with representatives from RACO, PDFORRA, RDFRA, ONE, IUNVA, ARCO, with other veterans’ associations, Congo veterans and the family members of deceased Congo veterans.
‘A’ Coy, 33rd Inf Bn. Photo: South Dublin County Libraries / WM_4713
On 8 November 1960, an 11-man Irish UN Peacekeeping patrol from 33 Inf Bn who were serving with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) were ambushed by over 100 Baluba tribesmen at Niemba. This was the first-time members of Óglaigh na hÉireann were involved in a battle since the founding of the state in 1922.
Assistant Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Peter O’Halloran lays a wreath in memory of our fallen comrades.
The patrol was under the command of Lt Kevin Gleeson (Carlow), accompanied by his NCOs of Sgt Hugh Gaynor (Dublin), Cpl Peter Kelly (Dublin), and Cpl Liam Dougan (Dublin), the rest of the patrol was made up of Pte Matthew Farrell (Dublin), Tpr Thomas Fennell (Dublin), Tpr Anthony Browne (Dublin), Pte Michael McGuinn (Carlow), Pte Gerard Killeen (Dublin), Pte Joseph Fitzpatrick (Dublin) and Pte Tom Kenny (Dublin).
It is believed that the Baluba tribesmen thought they were attacking European mercenaries who were hired by the breakaway Katanga province. The Balbua tribe had not supported the secession as several villages had been burned by the mercenaries. It is said that the small Irish patrol who were trying to keep the bridge over River Luweyeye open killed around 25 Baluba tribesmen, but it was destroyed. Pte Joseph Fitzpatrick and Pte Tom Kenny were the only two peacekeepers to survive the massacre, while Tpr Anthony Browne being posthumously awarded An Bonn Seirbhíse Dearscna (The Distinguished Service Medal – with Honour) for the heroic action he showed during battle.
In 2006, The Irish Times quoted the then Minister for Defence Mr Willie O’Dea said he wholeheartedly recognised and acknowledged that, “both Pte Kenny, particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained, and Pte Fitzpatrick survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued.” He commended them both, “for the selfless service they have given their country.”
Cuimhnímis ‘Let Us Remember’
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
As published in the December 2019 /January 2020 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald – Photos by CQMS Michael Barrett (AR) & Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald
Members of AGS cordon off an area around Christ Church while awaiting the DF EOD team.
On Monday 21 October 2019, An Garda Síochána (AGS) requested the support of the Defence Forces in dealing with an incident involving a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) in the Christchurch area of Dublin. A DF explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was immediately deployed to the scene.
EOD teams, comprised of highly trained Ordnance Corps technicians, are on call 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, around the country. When called on by AGS in aid to the civil power (ATCP) they are provided with an armed security detail from the relevant brigade’s stand-to guard.
Members of 2 Bde’s stand-to duty secure the area for their EOD colleagues to deploy their robot for bomb disposal.
The stand-to is also a 24-hour, 365-days-a-year duty, on call for operational and aid to the civil power tasking, which could include high-security prisoner escorts, explosives escorts for quarries or demolitions, ammunition escorts, among others.
The three-star course qualifies soldiers as fully trained private soldiers, ready for both conventional military operations and ATCP operations. An important part of this training, taught in conjunction with weapons handling, are the guidelines governing the use of force. These range from employing non-lethal force, to issuing a verbal warning of the intent to fire, right up to the firing of live ammunition, initially as warning or containing shots, before firing for effect if the legal criteria covering this are met. (See the interview with Col Jerry Lane, Director of the Defence Forces Legal Service Branch, on this subject in this issue.)
Every time a soldier is issued with live ammunition, they must be aware of their obligation to comply with these use-of-force guidelines, particularly on ATCP operations where they may be interacting with civilians.
Another high profile ATCP tasking for DF personnel over the years would be in helping to secure Portlaoise Prison, Ireland’s high-security prison, which caters for most people convicted at the Special Criminal Court and includes those linked with subversive activity. The Irish Prison Service runs the prison, with members of AGS and armed DF personnel securing the perimeter wall. The use of force is part of the daily briefing for these soldiers; sometimes twice daily, depending on shift rotations.
Recently we met with personnel on duty with 2 Brigade’s stand-to, to get an idea of the kind of soldier that would be available to respond to a potential ATCP emergency.
Cpl Wayne Casey, 7 Inf Bn with the Ordnance Corps EOD truck in the background.
Cpl Wayne Casey joined the Defence Forces in 2003, undergoing recruit training in Gormanston before being posted to 5 Inf Bn in McKee Bks, Dublin. He completed courses on the GPMG SF (sustained fire); .5” HMG; 60mm mortar; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) operations; fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA); and computer appreciation (CAPs and ECDL). He also completed driving courses for military cars, Transits, trucks, and the Mowag Piranha Mk III APC.
In 2009 Wayne completed a Potential NCOs course in 2 BTC. Promoted to corporal, he underwent a Crowd and Riot Control Instructors course and trained new recruits.
Wayne also completed a FIBUA Instructors course and 81mm mortar YE and Instructors courses, and the Techfire Instructors course.
Cpl Wayne Casey, 7 Inf Bn on duty in Cathal Brugha Bks.
With the amalgamation of 5 Inf Bn and 2 Inf Bn to form 7 Inf Bn in 2013, Wayne served with B Coy, training recruits, before moving to Support Coy as an 81mm mortar corporal.
Wayne is currently Signals Cpl where he’s part of a team looking after the unit’s radio equipment.
Wayne has served overseas on a number of occasions: as a rifleman in Kosovo in 2005, a stores corporal in Chad in 2010, and as a Mowag APC driver with the UNDOF QRF on the Golan Heights in 2014 and 2018.
During his service Wayne has been involved in numerous security duties at vital government installations and barracks around the country.
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
As published in the July/August 2019 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine By Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald, photos by DF Personnel andsome photos courtesy of RTÉ/Motive Television
An Cosantoir Magazine Jul/Aug 2019
Now that we have looked at the physical and mental training and commitment it takes to become an Army Ranger Wing (ARW) Assault Team Operator in the previous article – imagine developing that training and condensing it into an 8-day selection course that would seek out 24 of Ireland’s fittest candidates for a brand-new factual format TV programme?
That’s what the Motive Television producers of Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week, which aired in April, and May on RTÉ 2 put to four former ARW Assault Team Operators. Motive is an IFTA Award-winning television company specialising in producing factual entertainment shows and documentaries like The Notorious: The Series (RTÉ 2), and Toughest Place To Be (RTÉ 1). Motive’s Hell Week producer Jamie D’Alton said, “The four Directing Staff (DS) Ray Goggins, Alan O’Brien, Ger Reidy and Robert Stafford were absolutely incredible. Elite soldiers and seriously impressive men, who gave viewers a unique and privileged insight into what it takes to become a member of the ARW. This was a big call for them to get involved in, not only were they representing themselves and their families, they became the public face of the ARW and Ireland’s Special Forces. It was a significant responsibility.”
Production crew with Cpl Paul Magee AR second from the left, and Recruit Tiernan O’Rourke AR (both 7 Inf Bn) is far right. Photo: Paul Magee
Jamie then explained, “From the production side, it was a huge undertaking: nothing like this had been attempted in Ireland before. Between casting the 24 candidates, building the sets and filming… With more than 50 crew working 21-hours a day, for 9-days straight, in the worst imaginable weather, it took a huge effort from the entire team to pull it off.”
In getting the former ARW operatives to undertake the task Jamie explained, “From the outset they said the series had to be a robust and realistic representation of selection. At times this intensity probably shocked viewers, but ultimately it made for compelling television; a raw, honest telling of what members of Ireland’s military go through to become ARW unit members. The most ambitious aspect of the series was the decision for production staff not to directly engage with the candidates. From the moment they stepped off that bus on Day 1 it truly felt like they were on selection. It was amazing how quickly they forgot about the cameras and became fully immersed in the experience.”
Reserve Defence Forces (RDF), Cpl Paul Magee AR, 7 Inf Bn was a member of the production team, “After 10-years in the reserves and working in television, I was well suited to work on this show. The extreme conditions faced by the candidates had to be endured by the crew. The schedule left some of us with as little sleep as the candidates. Operating a camera in sub-zero temperatures with driving rain and snow is always a challenge, especially as its more delicate than a rifle. The physicality required by the candidates was astronomical, it surpassed anything I have ever seen the DF and bearing in mind none of them had any military experience, their performance had to be applauded.”
“If I don’t see you improve immediately I’m going to f*ck you right up.” Ray Goggins sets the tempo in the opening scene.
Hell Week’s 24 candidates (18 men and 6 women) arrived in TIS Kilbride Camp in Co Wicklow by bus. Here they met the Directing Staff for the first time, who brought them into their world very quickly – by having them strip to their underwear in the freezing rain. The next few episodes showed back-to-back tasks coming at them as they are pushed to their limits – within 24hrs six candidates are eliminated. A snow blizzard hits the camp where the remaining 15 candidates start to show signs of increasing fatigue. The remaining episodes see the candidates attempt to overcome physically demanding tasks, and the DS do more psychological games to see who will crack, until we get down to the last five candidates to see who has what it takes to survive and pass Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week selection.
Candidates get acclimatised in Kilbride Camp.
Hell Week’s Directing Staff all lived the high-octane life as Special Forces Operators for many years. Their experience of passing selection and being able to spot weaknesses in the candidates was there to see. It’s not just about shouting, swearing or trying to impose your presence on a candidate – it’s knowing when to do so and making sure the candidate can take the pressure and will respond to it; by either breaking and ‘Dropping Out’ (DO) or taking the pressure, biting down and doing better. Like most DF training courses there is always what we would call the ‘grey man’ or woman, the person who stays in the shadows and not coming to the eye of the DS. Then the opposite, the ‘heat seeker’ and Hell Week had a few of them too, some came to their attention straight after getting off the bus. So we got to ask them about their views on Hell Week.
#14 Grace O’Rourke gets to grips with ‘Scratch’.
Robert
Stafford, 22-years’ service, 2 Inf Bn with 17-years in ARW. He
is currently working in the private security sector for Detail Security Consultants
with a lot of international work. “We
wanted to stay as true to the Irish ARW selection process, this leaned more to
the old course which we did. Selection is a phase-based process which is over 9-months
which might not relate to TV as easily.”
Ger Reidy, 23-years’ service, 2
FAR, with 20-years in the ARW. He is currently working in the private security sector for Detail
Security Consultants with the majority of time working abroad. “We were determined
that it had to mirror or be close to the selection process that the unit go
through. We were also sacrificing a lot
in our personal lives especially for the type of work we do in civilian world,
so it had to be right from the off.”
Ray Goggins,
26-years’ service, 4 Inf Bn, with 17-years in ARW. He is
currently working in the private security sector with a lot of international
work. “Like the others I didn’t watch the
other similar shows, so that we kept it to our own style and true to the old
selection process.”
Alan O’Brien,
21-years’ service, 4 Inf Bn, with 11-years in ARW. He is currently
working as a Programme Coordinator in the
School of Medicine at University College Cork.“The show must as far as possible be an accurate reflection of what is
required to become a member of the ARW.”
“A mé féiner is it, well it f*cking looks that way to me!” – Ger Reidy putting it to #4 Des Seepersad.
Looking at early candidates and if they could see anyone passing selection, Robert said, “#21 Dimitry Vinokurov was very quiet, but completed every task without coming to our attention. #3 Michael Keogh was a very strong candidate but could overbear some of the others who were in appointment.”
Ger added, “I thought #16 Ray Kenny had a really
good chance of finishing it out. He came across really strong. #12 Michael
O’Shea was doing really well – switched on and well rounded. However, he
dislocated his knee during the Unarmed Combat phase.”
Ray continued,
“For me #3 Michael Keogh performed very well on the ‘Scratch’ task, he was
keeping them going at times, when they needed it – and then he was taken out on
the river crossing.”
Alan O’Brien gives #9 Paul Ward the silent treatment.
Alan said, “It’s not
unusual for a candidate who is near the back in some of the tests to be still
standing at the end, as was the case with #14 Grace”
We then looked at the different tasks, Robert said, “The bridge jump and the foreman/aftman 20k weighed forced march were my favourites; the bridge jump tests a number of fears, like heights, water and of course there’s the cold factor. The foreman/aftman is all down to the individual commitment to finish. You have the weight, the uncertainty of not knowing where the finish line is and then there’s the good old Irish weather, which was blowing a gale on the day – I came very close to calling this event off.”
Ger added, “I like the pipe crawl, you know straight away whether a person will do the challenge or not. It really takes you out of your comfort zone. Claustrophobia it one of many things we look for during selection and the pipe will show that.”
Ray agreed, “The
foreman/aftman was my preferred task, as mentioned, they don’t know how well
they are doing on times, distance – you just have to keep going and pushing on.
Also, the unarmed combat really shocked the candidates, we intended to put them
in an uncomfortable position which reflects combat.
A candidate is brought in for a ‘chat’.
Ger continued, “The unarmed combat was difficult because some never had to physically confront someone – now we were asking them to fight each other when they had just made friends.”
Alan added, “The casualty
evacuation task in Fort Davis was a SOF hostage rescue mission, and is designed
to test their physical and mental strength, leadership, teamwork, situational
awareness, decision-making…”
Looking at the eventual winners, Robert said, “I thought #14 Grace would get through, she
never complained, always tried to help others while being a real team player. She
continued to put her head down and just keep going and that is one of the keys
to passing. #4 Des was a very level-headed and clear-thinking candidate, he was
constant all the way through, but near the end caught our eye for a couple of
reasons.”
“Do you want to go home? – I think you do!” – Robert Stafford
Ger added, “#14 Grace is what we would call the grey man or women. She never really stood out till the later stages. She helped others out a lot, good team player, never complained and she had a really good attitude toward the whole process. #4 Des seemed to be very strong in all the challenges and throughout, he’s fairly switched on. Yes, near the later stages he came to our attention but he pulled through to finish.”
Ray made the point, “Any one of the last five candidates could have passed, some were taken
out on the interrogation task – which surprised us.”
Alan agreed, “#14 Grace
was the typical course ‘grey person’, once she passed foreman/aftman she had a good chance of succeeding, as her mental
strength was obviously her strongest asset. #4 Des was a
strong candidate right from the start, both physically and mentally. He had a
very difficult day in Fort Davis, but recovered well to produce a strong finish.”
Keep the weapons at a 45-degree angle.
Finally, is there a season 2? Robert said, “We are talking it through at the moment. If people think there’s a ‘Cut’ and everyone just starts acting at any phase of the show’s production, I assure you there isn’t.”
Ger added, “The show’s success was really down
to Jamie and his crew – never once did we shoot anything a second time as
that’s not how it goes on selection. For season 2 we would be looking at keeping the same tasks but with
different dynamics…”
Alan made a good point, “The show gave a small glimpse of what it takes to become an ARW SOF Operator. Most DF members would have undertaken similar challenges in their career and I hope that the show’s success will raise public awareness of the commitment and training that is required of DF members.”
#11 John Kenny in the water.
We then met up with Hell Week’s finalists, #18 Mark Cushen a member of An Garda Síochána explained how they had no interaction with the film crews and that was a rule from the outset, “in-doors the cameras were fixed to locations so they were not in your face.” #11 John Kenny Firefighter/Paramedic added, “It’s as real as they could make it – I reckon I got a total of 15hrs sleep throughout the week!”
His Firefighter/Paramedic colleague #16 Ray Kenny added, “We had no watches or clocks to know exactly what time of day or night it was – only the orderly sergeant had one to use so we knew what time to be outside at – it wasn’t synchronised to real-time.”
The Candidates learn the leopard crawl.
The Candidates learn the leopard crawl.
#14 Grace O’Rourke explained, “All the candidates were very physically fit going in.”
They explained about also doing a night sentry duty in
helmet and weapon ‘bar’ on the billet door, which was divided amongst the
candidates – who were dropping out daily.
They only had two sets of clothing, “we copped on quick to number our kit, and
grab something dry for the next task!” one of them quipped. Ray
added, “our boots were never dry, that’s
why we wore flipflops in the billet,” he then told a great story of his
missing flipflop in the snow from the first evening.
We chatted about the great comradery and friendships that have built up amongst them after this challenging experience. They explained they had never met before the show, except to go through the interview and fitness test process where they crossed paths. John said he knew of Ray but they weren’t friends then.
Around 350 applied for the show with approx. 60 selected for the fitness tests before the final 24 had a meeting with the producers and received their briefing and kit list, and they were allowed to break-in their boots before the show started.
John said it was very easy to get sucked into the
whole atmosphere of being in a training camp, the not knowing what was coming
next kept them on their edge, “you just
have to go in and give it 100%,” he said.
Discussing the tasks, Ray and Grace both said the
bridge jump, not because of the height, it was the waiting in the freezing
cold, “they said it would be warmer in
the water, and they were right – I had grown men either side of me shivering,
we were all encouraging each other,” she added. Mark added, “I had a bit of luck on the HUET task, I
just made it out.”
They all agreed one of the best moments was when #4 Des Seepersad came back into the billet soaking wet and went to the bathroom to get showered and changed without saying what happened. The candidates tried to look at each other and try to figure out what the task was. The DS had him crawl through the pipe with water rushing through which made for some excellent TV, and gave us some great ‘one-liners’ – “Get out of my pipe”. It was also the catalyst for some candidates as their fear of enclosed spaces got the better of them. Another great moment was when John tried to escape during the escape and evasion phase, while everyone else was doing jumping jacks to stay warm.
Asked if they appreciate military training? Ray said, “We all have a more positive view on the
Defence Forces and the Army Ranger Wing.”
Grace added, “I
completed the An Gaisce Defence Forces Challenge 14-years ago. It was a really
great experience and I had my heart set on a career in the Defence Forces. I
applied three different times for a cadetship, but unfortunately it wasn’t to
be.”
While it was back to their jobs for the lads,
Grace has used the experience to set up her new business www.graceorourke.com, where she offers personal
performance programmes.
Congratulations and admiration to Des and Grace for passing
Hell Week’s selection course. After the final episode aired Des wrote on his
Twitter account, “An honour to take part
in and complete the ultimate test to find the ultimate civilian… delighted to
be named the biggest legend along with Grace.”
Grace recently
told Evoke
Magazine about her experience, “Taking part in Hell Week was one of
the most difficult and challenging things I’ve ever done, but it taught me so
much about myself and has been an invaluable and truly life-changing
experience.”
A few final words from Hell Week’s producer Jamie, “The show went down well with audiences, rating really well, with approx. 18% consolidated share, about 200,000 viewers per episode – which is really really strong.
In terms of season 2, there have been some preliminary discussions with RTÉ, but these are at a very early stage. The view would be that it’s only worth going again if we feel we can improve it. Lastly, to the 24 crazy recruits who took on the Hell Week challenge. All legends. All mental. All heroes. I hope all of them can look back on their time up the mountains and laugh about how mad it was, but feel very proud of themselves!”
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
To read more about the Army Ranger Wing, get Shadow Warriors, the real story behind the Army Ranger Wing published by Mercier Press in April 2020.
“In the spring of 1980, the Irish Department of Defence sanctioned the establishment of a new unit within the Irish Defence Forces and the Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW) came into being. In the decades that followed, its soldiers have been deployed on active service at home and abroad, generally without the knowledge of the wider public. The ARW is made up of seasoned men from across the island, who are selected through tough competition. Only the best of the best make it through and are trained in an extraordinary range of specialist skills. Being one of these elite operators takes more than simply being a skilled soldier – it means believing you are the best.”
Shadow Warriors
Shadow Warriors tells the story behind the creation of the ARW, from its origins in specialist counter-terrorism training in the late 1960s and the preparation of small unconventional units in the 1970s to the formation of the ARW itself in 1980 and its subsequent history. The first and only authoritative account in the public domain of this specialist unit, authors Paul O’Brien and Sergeant Wayne Fitzgerald have been granted access to the closed and clandestine world of Ireland’s Special Forces, who train hard, fight harder and face unconventional types of warfare, yet prefer to stay out of the limelight.
As published in the July/August 2019 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine Report by Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald
The Defence Forces Special Forces unit is officially titled as ‘Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm’ and translates as ‘The Army Ranger Wing’ (ARW) – as there is no direct English translation of the term ‘Fianóglach’ so the internationally recognised designation of ‘Ranger’ is used. The word ‘Fianóglach’ links the traditions of the ARW to ‘Na Fianna’, the legendary Irish warriors, with the present-day Óglaigh na hÉireann or Irish Defence Forces. In order to be eligible to undergo the selection process, you must be a serving member of the Defence Forces.
“Glaine ár gCroí, Neart ár nGéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar” (“The cleanliness of our hearts, The strength of our limbs, And our commitment to our promise”) – The ARW motto is taken from an old Fianna poem and continues the link with Na Fianna.
The ARW’s roles are divided into conventional warfare offensive operations behind enemy lines, like long-range patrols (LRP), raids, ambushes, sabotage plus other tasks, and specialist aid to the civil power (ATCP) in anti-terrorist taskings including anti-hijack, hostage rescue, airborne and seaborne interventions amongst others. The ARW has also an established role in the advancement of standards within the DF, including testing and evaluation of equipment, organising and participating in training exercises to name a few.
The ARW has significantly revised its selection and assessment procedures for prospective unit members and their selection and basic skills courses have both been combined into a single 36-week Special Operations Force Qualification (SOFQ) Course. SOFQ requires a high level of physical fitness, navigation skills, personal motivation and the aspiration to serve in the ARW. The SOFQ syllabus is designed to test and assess all aspects of the candidate’s character, military skills, ability and general suitability to become a member of the ARW and on successful completion provides the potential unit member with all the skills and knowledge necessary to function in the role of a Special Operations Force (SOF) Assault Team Operator.
The SOFQ course is divided into five distinct modules: The aim of Module One is to assess the candidate’s levels of physical fitness, motivation and suitability to progress onwards. During this phase, all candidates must pass a series of fitness assessments, map reading and individual navigation assessments, claustrophobia, water confidence and psychometric testing in order to progress. The candidate is then assessed further by a series of individual navigation exercises with set weights, but unknown distances and completion times. This culminates in a 60km cross-country march carrying a 65lb combat load. Officer candidates are also subjected to rigorous assessment of their planning and decision-making skills, to assess suitability to achieve a command appointment in the ARW.
Modules Two to Five consists of further training and assessment in areas such as SOF weapons and marksmanship, live-fire tactical training, SOF conventional and Counter-Terrorism TTPS, combat water survival, SERE, communications and medical training. Candidates are awarded the ‘Fianóglach’ tab on successful completion of Module Three and are assigned to the unit. On completion of Module Four, they are awarded the distinctive ARW green beret. On conclusion of the SOFQ course candidates are posted to an operational ARW task unit as an Assault Team Operator and can expect to undertake numerous further training in areas such as advanced medical skills, military freefall, combat diving and boat handling, close protection and advanced weapons skills.
This training would not be well known or publicly advertised, nor would the ARW operatives, who remain in the background in order to protect their identities and that of the unit. Thus, the unit and its members are shrouded in secrecy both within the Defence Forces and to the public.
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
To read more about the Army Ranger Wing, get Shadow Warriors, the real story behind the Army Ranger Wing published by Mercier Press in April 2020.
“In the spring of 1980, the Irish Department of Defence sanctioned the establishment of a new unit within the Irish Defence Forces and the Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW) came into being. In the decades that followed, its soldiers have been deployed on active service at home and abroad, generally without the knowledge of the wider public. The ARW is made up of seasoned men from across the island, who are selected through tough competition. Only the best of the best make it through and are trained in an extraordinary range of specialist skills. Being one of these elite operators takes more than simply being a skilled soldier – it means believing you are the best.”
Shadow Warriors tells the story behind the creation of the ARW, from its origins in specialist counter-terrorism training in the late 1960s and the preparation of small unconventional units in the 1970s to the formation of the ARW itself in 1980 and its subsequent history. The first and only authoritative account in the public domain of this specialist unit, authors Paul O’Brien and Sergeant Wayne Fitzgerald have been granted access to the closed and clandestine world of Ireland’s Special Forces, who train hard, fight harder and face unconventional types of warfare, yet prefer to stay out of the limelight.
As published in the April 2018 issue of An Cosantóir Magazine Report by Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald
On Wednesday 28th February 2018 Storm Emma hit Ireland and collided with the Beast from the East to provide the country with the heaviest snowfall it had seen since 1982. Met Éireann issued a red weather warning to much of Ireland’s east, southeast and midlands in the run-up to the event that initially brought Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath to a halt before spreading to much of the rest of the country. Many roads remained impassable until the thaw that began on Monday 5 March reached them.
Parts of Wicklow and Carlow reported 60cm
of snowfall, compared to the previous Met Éireann recorded of 45cm at Casement
Aerodrome on New Year’s Eve 1962.
During this period of extreme weather, the Defence Forces deployed 1,814 personnel and 533 vehicles in a range of tasks to support the civil authorities, and Tuesday 6th March saw them still operational, clearing snow and ice from towns in County Wexford; Blessington in Wicklow; and Naas and Clane in Kildare.
Defence Forces personnel provided a significant support role in the major emergency response, with deployments across a wide spectrum of activities. ‘Manpower and mobility’ deployments, using 4x4s, and other specialist vehicles, took place in counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Donegal, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
Members of the Defence Forces and Civil Defence provided ambulance services and patient transfers for hospitals, while also helping local authorities to clear roads blocked by the heavy snowfall.
The range of assistance
provided was extremely varied and the following list of activities only
represents the tip of the iceberg: road clearance in Kildare, Laois, Meath,
Waterford and Wexford; transporting HSE staff and patients; transporting
people for dialysis treatment; providing paramedic support and ambulance
services; transporting midwives and essential staff to the Coombe and Holles St
maternity hospitals; carrying out Meals on Wheels runs; supporting the Dept
of Foreign Affairs and Trade; transporting essential Met Éireann staff;
clearing snow and ice from Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Harold’s Cross
Hospice; transporting essential Prison Service staff; and providing
transportation support to An Garda Síochána.
Members of the Reserve Defence Force were also on hand to help their PDF colleagues, including providing a 6×6 truck to support the ESB’s electricity reconnection works in Cork.
Such a well-coordinated
response was enabled to a great degree by a number of memorandums of
understanding (MOUs) and service-level agreements (SLAs) agreed between the
Department of Defence (DoD) and a number of other government departments and
agencies as a framework for the provision of services. In this framework, the
Defence Forces are seen as a major resource in supporting local authorities on
a 24/7 basis during civil emergencies such as severe weather, floods, forest
fires, etc.
Lt Col Mark Staunton,
OIC Current Operations, J 3/5, DFHQ, says: “ATCA requests from An Garda Síochána, local authorities or the HSE,
who are the primary response agencies (PRAs), are routed to us through
Executive Branch, Department of Defence.
“Once the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre (NECC)
is stood up, we deploy a liaison officer from Plans and Capabilities Section,
J3/5, to collaborate with our colleagues from DoD to represent the defence organisation’s
support capabilities. Additionally, local MEM regional teams are stood up by
the PRAs with local DF liaison officers in attendance to manage DF support to the
PRAs at a local level.
“During Storm Emma the HSE experienced significant difficulties with their comms infrastructure, and as an interim measure, while the HSE’s comms infrastructure was being re-established, the DF agreed to take direct HSE emergency support requests through the tactical operations centres (TOCs) in 1 Bde, 2 Bde and the DFTC. This proved very successful in managing a myriad of HSE emergency callouts such as dialysis patient transfers, critical care staff movements and emergency patient transfers.”
The minister
for defence chairs a government task force in the Office of Emergency Planning
(OEP), which comprises those ministers and/or senior officials of government departments
and public authorities that make a key contribution to the emergency planning
process.
The NECC,
which was established in 2007, is where ministers and/or senior civil servants
can convene to co-ordinate national responses to a major emergency, and is
equipped with the latest robust communications systems and support facilities.
DF Operations Branch staff
officers attend all NECC meetings, where they advise on DF capabilities and
resources.
According
to a report in the Sunday Independent,
Minister with Responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe TD paid tribute to the members
of the Defence Forces and the Civil Defence who contributed to the relief
efforts, saying: “Defence Force personnel responded to every request, which ranged from
transferring a significant number of dialysis patients, transporting medication
to Crumlin Children’s Hospital, and ensuring a sick child could receive a
passport so that they could travel abroad for medical attention…Both the
Defence Forces and Civil Defence showed once again that during a time of
emergency, the community is put first.”
On the morning of Thursday 1st
March 2018 when Met Éireann issued a non-essential travel advisory for after
4pm that day, the DF Press Office announced: ‘Defence Forces personnel will be
available for in extremis situations
of life and death after 4pm today. We will be asking the regional emergency co-ordination
mangers of the HSE, and others, to prioritise tasks so that we can mitigate the
risks to our own personnel.’
A number of years ago the
Government Task Force on Emergency Planning launched a ‘Be Winter Ready’ information
campaign to give the public advice on how to prepare for severe weather and
highlight the ‘whole of government’ approach being taken. The central message
of this information campaign is simply to encourage people to be prepared, to
stay safe and to know where to find help if they need it. There is a ‘Be Winter
Ready’ information booklet available at www.winterready.ie
A View from the Coalface: 3 Inf Bn ATCA operations
during Storm Emma
Significant snowfall in 3 Inf Bn’s area of operations (AO), comprising of Kilkenny, Wexford, East Tipperary, Waterford and Carlow, saw 3 Inf Bn personnel deploying across the southeast in various roles, all under the umbrella of aid to the civil authority (ATCA). Due to the large AO, various elements of the transport fleet, ranging from Pajero 4x4s, Scania 6x6s, and a snowplough, were prepositioned to RDF centres in both Wexford and Waterford. This decision was pivotal in providing flexibility to meet the requests that that would soon be arriving.
Personnel were co-located with
each county’s crisis management centre and HSE centre. This enabled the forming
of a mutually supporting face-to-face relationship with key stakeholders to
ensure that DF personnel and assets were deployed in a timely and effective
manner throughout the operation.
The ATCA deployment lasted for a full eight days. Most significantly, the battalion’s Scania 6x6s, snowplough, and Pajero 4x4s conducted 40 emergency calls to homes in the greater Wexford area in support of the HSE. Personnel also drove and assisted HSE paramedics in dealing with emergency medical cases.
A number of these tasks took
place over a number of hours at night, with DF personnel and their HSE
counterparts traversing snow drifts by foot for a number of kilometres to
ensure that necessary medical equipment and supplies arrived at their
objective.
In addition, Defence Forces’
assets were used to transfer 80 dialysis patients to and from various renal clinics
across the South East for their essential daily appointments.
Community health nurses were
transported to treat patients; Meals on Wheels deliveries were made to
vulnerable, mainly elderly, people; and staff transfers from all of the
principal hospitals in the region took place.
The deployment culminated in
mobilising a full company of troops to travel to Wexford to assist in snow
clearing at strategic infrastructural locations such as hospitals, public transport
hubs, schools, clinics, and pedestrian footpaths. 3 Inf Bn’s assets were
supplemented by 1 Bde Tpt Coy, 1 Inf Bn, DFTC Tpt and DFTC Engr Group at
various times of the operation. Over eight consecutive days, 3 Inf Bn deployed
408 troops and 30 vehicles to successfully complete over 380 tasks in support of
the civil authorities.
Snow Stories
On March troops from 7 Inf Bn dug this lovely lady and her brother out of their snowed-in house in Roundwood and discovered that it was her 100th birthday the next day. Lt Richard O’Hagan said: “It was great to have the opportunity to meet Ms Doyle on the eve of her 100th birthday. As we were working in the same area the following day we decided we would call back with a card and a cake to help her celebrate the big occasion.” Photo: Sgt (AR) Hazel Brennan, 7 Inf Bn
Pictured are Sgt Alan Graham, Sgt Ollie McNamee, Cpl Eddie Donlon and comrades from 2 Bde Arty Regt deliver Meals on Wheels. “The Defence Forces wherever they are needed is where they are.” Photo: Retired RSM Noel O’Callaghan, 2 BAR
“Outstanding work by Capt Sean Gough and Sgt Brian Buckley, Recce Pl, SP Coy, 7 Inf Bn, who conducted an insertion march from Brittas into Kilbride Camp to conduct a relief-in-place with duty personnel and to resupply local residents with much-needed food supplies.” – Coy Sgt Gerry Duff, 7 Inf Bn
“Thank you to the Irish Defence Forces, ESB, local farmers and great communities throughout Ireland, for helping to clear roads, and reconnect power and water in areas isolated by snow. This is a photo taken in Carrigaline, Co Cork, on Saturday 3 March, of a Defence Forces 6×6 leading an ESB truck out to Minane Bridge, Novohol and Roberts’ Cove area.” – Grainne Lynch PMP CMILT, Pharma Supply Chain Logistics, VP Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Photo: Caroline James
Pictured are Cpl Steve Holloway, Logan Shepard (7), and Advanced Paramedic Declan Cunningham of the National Ambulance Service, based out of Wexford General Hospital. Logan needs medical machinery 24/7 and when Storm Emma cut the electricity near his home in Cleariestown, Co Wexford, he had to be dashed to hospital.
In the middle of one the worst snowfalls in living memory in Wexford, Steve
and Declan were tasked with attending to this extremely sick child whose home
was inaccessible by road. They trekked almost 3km through snowdrifts to tend to
Logan and then brought him back on foot to the waiting military ambulance.
Pte Anthony Armstrong from 1 Bde Tpt Coy and Gnr Ger Twomey from 1 BAR pictured with Tracy Quirke and her baby Ella, born at 10.30am on 2nd March 2018, in the middle of the weather crisis. “They are angels living on Earth, as far as I’m concerned,” Tracy’s mother, Jacky Quirke, told the Irish Examiner. Tracy went into labour a week early at 2.30am at the home she shares with partner Darren Galvin on the Old Head of Kinsale, Co Cork. Although the peninsula was cut off by snowdrifts up to 6ft deep, Pte Armstrong and Gnr Twomey managed to collect Tracy in their 6×6 truck and transport her to Cork University Maternity Hospital. Earlier family and neighbours had spent 3hrs clearing a 4km path from the house to Barrell’s Cross. Photo: Irish Examiner
Sgt Joanne Doyle Rooney, CMU DFTC, pictured with HSE members deploying to rescue a patient stuck in a remote area of Co Kildare. Troops from the DFTC also transported essential nursing staff to a local nursing home in 4×4 vehicles and provided a snowplough to Kildare County Council for use in Newbridge, Athgarvan, Kilcullen and the Curragh. Photo: Cpl Paul Burke, CMU 2 Bde
Read these stories and more in An Cosantóir (The Defender) The official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces – www.dfmagazine.ie.
