Leo Quinlan to give talk on Siege of Jadotville
A lecture ‘Jadotville Revisited – The Untold Story’, is hosted by the Connaught Street and Environs Community Group in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel Athlone on Wednesday August 19, at 7.30pm.
The lecture, to be delivered by retired Commandant Leo Quinlan, is one of a number of events planned by Connaught Street and Environs Community Group to mark National Heritage Week.
Leo Quinlan is the son of the late Commandant Pat Quinlan, who commanded the troops of ‘A’ Company, from the 35th Infantry Battalion at the Siege of Jadotville in the Congo in September 1961. His lecture will provide fresh insight into the leadership, tactical planning, and enduring legacy of the Siege of Jadotville. The events at Jadotville also remain an important chapter in the history of United Nations peacekeeping during one of the most turbulent periods of post-colonial Africa, when political instability, conflict, and humanitarian crises tested the resolve of the international community.
Once denied recognition, Quinlan, who lived in Beech Park, Athlone, is now widely acknowledged as one of Ireland’s greatest military commanders, whose professionalism, courage, foresight, and humanity saved the lives of every soldier under his command.
The evening will also feature the local launch of a book, Jadotville – Benchmark for Bravery, written by retired Lt Colonel Dan Harvey.
It is the latest book to be written on the Siege of Jadotville, the 65th anniversary of which falls in September.
Published in June, Harvey’s narrative details the extraordinary stand of the Irish peacekeeping soldiers in the Congo.
The book recounts the battle and the decades-long fight for recognition and honour that followed. Following its launch, the author will sign copies of the book.
Erica O’Meara, PRO, Connaught Street and Environs Community Group, said the lecture “offers a rare opportunity for the public to hear the remarkable story behind one of Ireland’s greatest military leaders from his son, Commandant Leo Quinlan”. She added it would be a chance to “reflect on a chapter of Irish history whose lessons remain as relevant today as ever”.