Onet honours deceased members

The Mullingar branch of the ONEt honoured its deceased members at its annual commemoration at the Cross of Remembrance at Columb Barracks, followed by Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Sunday.

For many present on the day it was a poignant reminder of fallen lost comrades and friends who passed to their eternal reward during the 30 years of the branch’s existence.

Military honours were rendered at the cross and at the Cathedral, with the Salute to the Eucharist being presented by the Colour Party, manned by Noel Hayes and brothers, Eugene and Frank Stenson under the instruction of Danny McEntee, I/C Colour Party.

The branch was honoured to have ONEt national president, Gus Hennessy, and former national president, Peter Byrne, present on the day. Also present were Cllr Paul Daly, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, and Cllr Peter Burke, mayor of Mullingar.

The branch was once again delighted to have Rev Fr Padraig McMahon officiate at the Mass. Rev Fr McMahon has been a great friend of the branch over the years and as always, leaves no stone unturned in assisting in what is an important time for both members and friends of the branch.

ONEt would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everybody, who has been supportive towards the branch over the past year and ONEt wish to thank them sincerely.

30 years
An earlier branch of the ONE in Mullingar was formed in 1952 under the stewardship of Joseph Fitzsimons, Joseph Dowd and Hugh Devanney, but by the early 1960s it ceased to exist.

In 1985, it was decided by ex-servicemen in the town to once form a branch of the ONE and the inaugural meeting of the current branch was on a bright summer’s evening on Friday June 28, 1985 in the NCOs’ Mess at Columb Barracks.

The first elected officers were: chairman, Billy Heffernan, secretary, Willy Earley, treasurer, Gus Jones, and PRO Pat Dooley. Alfie Tindall was the first branch president.

Mullingar has won the ‘branch of the Year’ title seven times and has the honour of having three members being elected national president of ONE Ireland – the late Pat Brennen, the late Ned Gibney and current branch member, Martin Coyne, who will be I/C of the Colour Party this year.

Today, the branch has the honour of having both Tom Gunn (chairman) and Billy Keane (former branch president) as members. Both served with A-Company, 35th Battalion at the Siege of Jadotville in the Congo in 1961 under the command of Commandant Pat Quinlan, and along with the rest of A Company, were held as prisoners of war by Katangese forces. At present the movie ‘Jadotville’ is being filmed in South Africa based on the experiences of A-Company, with actor Jamie Dornan in the lead role.

The Mullingar Branch, ONE is always happy to accept new members, so if you have served the state or would like to support our branch, then feel free to play your part as we move towards another 30 years advocating the cause of Irish ex-servicemen and women. Article by Jason McKevitt, PRO, Mullingar Branch, ONE.