Niemba recalled at Mullingar IUNVA event
The only two survivors of the November 8 1960 ambush and massacre at Niemba in the Congo are Dubliners Joe Fitspatrick and Tommy Kenny, and on Sunday last, both men were in Mullingar for a ceremony at which the nine Irish soldiers who died in the ambush were remembered.Organised by Post 20 Midlands Irish United Nations Veterans’ Association (IUNVA), the ceremony was the first that is to be held this year to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the tragedy.It was held at the Memorial Garden created some years back by Post 20 IUNVA at Ballyglass Cemetery in Mullingar.Eddie Robinson, chairperson of Post 20, says a lot of work and preparation went into the ceremony on Sunday, which was attended by representatives from ten out of the 15 IUNVA Posts around the country. Among the most poignant actions on the day, was the release of nine white doves, one for each of the nine men killed in Niemba.Fr. Padraig McMahon, Adm., Mullingar, performed the blessing at the ceremony, and Mullingar’s deputy mayor, Peter Burke, spoke in praise of the IUNVA members, and congratulated the members on their achievements to date, and the extensive work they do locally for charity.During the ceremony, Post 20 IUNVA paid tribute to all those involved in the Niamba ambush - but also to all other Irish soldiers, Gardaí and civilian personnel who gave their lives in the service of world peace. In total, 90 Irish people have died abroad while on UN duty.Among those who were at the ceremony were General Vincent Savino, president of the IUNVA, and representing the O/C of the 4th Field Artillery, Commdt. Gen Buckley, and Mullingar’s R.S.M. Noel O’Callaghan, as well as Mick McDonnell, chairman of the the Organisation of National Ex Servicemen and women.There were also members of the Reserve Defence Forces present. Music was provided by a pipe band from Athy, and local man, Frank Rooney, played the Last Post and Reveille on a bugle.The solemnity of the ceremony was augmented later by the sad news that Navan woman, Mrs. Ann Tormey, who had laid a wreath during the ceremony in memory of her brother, former Post 20 member, Frank Whitty, died suddenly on the journey home.