 Presidents report December 2018
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Good Evening Gents
10th October 2019
Following on from our very successful attendance at the Spanish Armada Commemorations in Sligo in Sept which was arranged by our National PRO Terry Cummins,we received a invitation to attend Spain's national Day on the 10/10/2019 in the Gresham Hotel Dublin. The following attended representing the Irish Naval Association (INA) myself and Bernie, our PRO Terry and Margaret Cummins.our Vice President who traveled up from Cork Andy Mac Sharry and the Dublin Branch Secretary Alan Ryan. We were met on arrival by the Spanish Ambassador and his wife from the start made very welcome. The Army and Air Corps had officers in attendance including a Brigade General. Also in attendance was the Russian Military Attache and to keep a balance the US Military Attache. During the reception the Spanish Ambassador came over to us and thanked us for attending there Ceremony is Sligo and asking us back next year saying that the Ceremony is getting bigger every year.
 13th October 2019 Irish Naval Association Dublin Branch attended the Annual Mass in Casement Airdrome for deceased members of the Air Corps. The weather was terrible but there was still a very large attendance. Because of the weather the wreath laying Ceremony was held indoor, I laid a wreath on behalf of the INA. There was tea / coffee and biscuits in canteen after the Mass. The ceremony next year is going to be held on the second Sunday of May 2020. PS, A few of us attended a tour of the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park in the afternoon which was arranged by Sean Brennan,this was the last tour of 2019 but it will start again next year and I would recommend this to anyone with a interest in Irish History. The guide we had was very informative and knew his stuff.
Bryan Gildea |
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Hi All Two reports 22/8/19 Bernie and I attended the reposing of Carmel De Renzy in Blancherstown Hospice, Carmel was the mother of Liam and the wife of Gerry who was C/O of number 2 Coy Slua Muire,may she rest in peace. 24/8/19 Bernie and I attended the Military Veterans Gala Ball in Red Cow Moran Hotel it was very well attended with over 300 Veterans from all over the country in attendance. It had a excellent four course menu,music was provided by Full Circle who were very good and had everyone on the floor all night, this was followed by a disco till late.There was a raffle with absolutely dozens of spot prices to be won. The expensive spot prices were auctioned of which raised more money for Bru Na Bhfiann, there was envelopes on the table for everyone to give a donation to Bru Na Bhfiann. The main speaker on the night was Brig General Colm Cambell ( Ret) who spoke about all the good work that is been done and their plans for the future. The Irish Naval Association had four members in attendance and the Erskine Childers Branch had 15 members attending. It wold be very nice if the Irish Naval Service had a table at next years Ball
Kind Regards. |
We had a very large turn out from the Irish Naval Association (INA) including the Vice President from Cork,some of our members traveled up from Limerick and of course Dublin had large group Approx 20 in total.The Ceremony is held Annually to Honour all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. The Ceremony is held in Collins Barracks in Dublin which was an army base for some 290 years before being renovated for use as a museum.The officiating representatives were from all the main religions ten in total.Music was provided by Soloist Ms Mairead Buicke and the Band of ! Brigade Conducted by Captain Brian Prendergast. After the prayers the Taoiseach invites the President of Ireland to lay a wreath in honour of all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars. Following the minutes silence, the Cadet Guard of honour renders honours and the Trumpeters and Drummers sound the Last Post The National Flag then was hoisted to full mast accompanied by a roll of drums, followed immediately by the National Anthem. Humanist Reflection As the poet Maya Angelou reminded us History, despite its wrenching Pain,Cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage,need not be lived again. After the Ceremony there was some refreshments provide in a marquee close by which included Tea, Coffee, Wine and Beer. The photographer that took some of the photos on the day was Kevin Devlin past member of #2 Coy Slua Muiri.I would like to congratulate all our members for making the effort on the day as the weather was stunning and it would have been very easy to be someplace else. |
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Bernie and I attended The Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland Annual Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath Laying at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens Island Bridge, Dublin. |
Bryan Gildea. |
| The Annual Mass for deceased Members of the Michael Quinn Branch Dublin Irish Naval Association (INA) took place on Sunday the 31/3/2019 in Cathal Brugha Barracks. the Chief Celebrant was Fr Des Campion Chaplin to the Navy assisted by Deacon Jimmy Fennell. The following dignitaries were in attendance representing the different Organization / Associations.
After the Mass all personnel in uniform fell in and the Colour Party were marched on. There were two Wreaths Laid one by the President of the INA and one by Col Darren Doherty UK Embassy.
All attendees were then invited over to the Men's Club for finger food which there was a abundance of. Nevile Brennan( Dublin) and Tony O Halloran (Waterford) presented two cheques to Ollie O Connor CEO ONE Headquarters for Bru Na Bhfiann . I would like to thank the following for the excellent work on the day and the preparations prior to the Mass. The Dublin Branch Committee, Social Committee. and the Choir, well done to one and all you are a credit to the Irish Naval Association
Bryan Gildea |
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Saturday 15/12/18 A Christmas Dinner was held in Cathal Brugha Barracks Rathmines organized by the Social committee of the Dublin Branch of the Irish Naval Association ( INA ). There was a very large attendance made up of INA Members / Associate Members / friends and family's. The evening started out with drinks in the men's mess before dinner. There was a very good menu with a choice of Salad or Soup for starters and Beef with Yorkshire Pudding or Ham and Turkey for the main course. A friend of Pat and Bernie McGuirk provided the music for the evening an excellent singer and musician on Keyboard. There was no problem getting people up to sing with Joe Keane leading the way. The highlight of the evening must surely be Mr Santa Clause himself (Mr Tony Murray) making a surprise visit with his able assistant Mrs Bernie Mc Guirk giving out presents to the ladies. While Santa was giving out the presents a Snowball fight started with Ray Delaney in particular getting great pleasure out of the fight ,nobody was hurt I am glad to say and everyone went home safely after a good night I would like to thank the following for all the help I received during the year our National PRO Terry Cummins, our Vice President Andy Mac Sharry Alan Ryan Secretary of the Dublin Branch of the INA.,Bernie Mc Guirk on the Social Committee. As this is my final report for 2018 can I wish all our members at home and away especially our members who we have not been seen for a while or are ill may they make a speedy recovery and we will see them in the new year A Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year to all.
Bryan Gildea President. |
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Sunday 19th November 2018
Four members of the Irish Naval Association some with their wife's attended the German Remembrance Day 2018, The day started with tea and coffee reception at 9.30 in the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation followed at 10.00 with a discussion Personal Reflections on "Lessons for a peaceful Europe 100 years after WW1" 13.20 Walk to German Military cemetery led by a Piper from the Air Corps where there was a Wreath laying Ceremony led by the German Ambassador to Ireland. 13.45 Light refreshments hosted by the German Embassy in the Armory Cafe
Bryan Gildea |
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This is my report for Armistice Day Centenary Commemorations 11/11/18. Three members of the Dublin Branch of the Irish Naval Association attended the Royal British Legion Ceremony in the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge Dublin. There was a large crowd in attendance including Ambassadors from Belgium, Australia,New Zealand,Britain ,France, also there were members of the Government and the judiciary. The Exhortation was given by Mr Brian Duffy Chairman RBL Republic of Ireland.After the official wreath laying Ceremony there then followed the laying of wreaths by other organizations in which the INA was the first to be called followed by the different Branches of the RBL. Then Brian Duffy invited the general public to lay wreaths / crosses/flowers in memory of their loved ones, there was a very large take up on this offer with people of all ages taken part. At precisely 1100 Hrs there was a fly pass of a WW1 Biplane which added to the occasion.The St Johns Ambulance had a large contingent in attendance with a Original St Johns Ambulance Truck and WW1 Army Lorry. The ceremony conclude with the playing of our National Anthem.
The National Cathedral St Patricks Dublin 11/11/18 @ 1500 hrs This concludes my reports on the 100th Anniversary of the First World War Commemorations on Rememberance Day 2018.
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Five members of the Dublin Branch of the Irish Naval Association attended the Annual Mass for deceased members of the 5th Infantry Battalion in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in McKee Barracks on Saturday the 3/11/18.. There was a large attendance of family and friends and we were given a very warm welcome. We fell in on the square with the members of the 5th Battalion for the wreath laying ceremony after which we marched to the garrison Church for Mass led by the UN Vets pipe Band. The Mass was said by the Mckee Barracks Chaplin Fr Pat Mernagegh aided by the former Army Chaplin Bishop Fields.After the mass we were brought over to the NCOs Mess for tea and coffee and the 5th Battalion retired members went on to have their AGM.
Bryan Gildea. |
Sunday 14th October 2018 Ten members of the Dublin Branch of the Irish Naval Association attended the ONE Rodger Casement Branch Annual Memorial Mass in Casement Aerodrome today. The Celebrant was Fr Bernard Mc-Cay Morrissey CF who has only recently been posted to the Aercorps Joined by Rev Adeline Patterson CofI, Our Chairman laid a wreath on behalf of the INA, We got plenty of compliments on our numbers and our turnout. There was tea / coffee biscuits laid on and the Museum was open for us, The day was beautiful sun shining meeting old friends what more could you ask for.
Bryan Gildea |
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Saturday 21/7/18 This is my report for the Military Guard Ceremony held today at the National Memorial in Merrion Square Dublin. It is the National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State.The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) was in attendance along with one of the Deputy Chief of Staff Support (DSOS) Major General Kevin Cotter with his wife. The Units taking part today were Naval Service, Haulbowline and 1 Artillery Regiment Collins Barracks Cork. It was a lovely Ceremony lasting about a hour and in my opinion a larger crowd gathered than last year when we were soaked. The personnel who organize the Ceremony are trying very hard to encourage more members of the public to attend as it was advertised on a number of Radio Stations. There was a very small number of members of the Irish Naval Association (INA) present. The ONE and the UN Vets were well represented. I laid a wreath on behalf of the INA
Bryan Gildea |
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The Irish Naval Association was invited to take part in Frances National Day to be held in the the Ambassadors Residence on Ailesbury Road Ballsbridge Dublin. The Ambassador H.E.Stephane Crouzat welcomed everyone reminding us that if Brexit goes ahead France will be our nearest European Neighbour. The invited guests included TDs Senators, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Army Personnel,Business Leaders and Representatives from different religions. Music was provided by Sharon Shannon Band and Mellow Tonics Choir It was a lovely evening with plenty of sunshine and lots to eat and drink. I would like to thank our National PRO Mr Terry Cummins for making the necessary arrangements.
Sunday 15/7/18.
Bryan Gildea. |
 
Sunday 8th July National Dauy of Commemoration, Collins Barracks, Dublin
Irish Naval Association President, Bryan Gildea, and over 50 members attended the National Day of Commemoration at Collins Barracks, Dublin .... INA President's Report |
 Royal Navy Association Conference in Dun Laoghaire. 9/10th June 2018 |
Wednesday 25/4/2018 eight members of the Irish Naval Association along with members of the Erskine Childers Branch attended the Anzac Dawn Service in Grangegorman Military Cemetery. There was a large attendance including the following, Mr Richard Andrews Australian Ambassador, Father Seamus Madigan Head Chaplin , Col Sue Graham CSC Australian Defence Force Rep, LT Col Mick Alexander New Zealand Defence Force Rep, Mr Charles Flanagan TD Minister for Justice and Equality, Minister of State for the Dept of Defence Mr Paul Kehoe TD. Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr Liam Lyons a speedy recovery Liam has not been to well lately.
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Irish Naval Association President Bryan Gildea report on AGM Saturday 24th March and our Annual Mass for the deceased members of the L/S Michael Quinn DSM Branch.
24/3/18 National Executive Meeting in Cathal Brugha Barracks The meeting was well attended with all the officers present and delegates from Cork ,Dublin and Limerick along with observers, Limerick were well represented with a large number of members attending. We had the annual reports from the President, Secretary, Treasurer. The treasurer Mr Terry Cummins reported that on the renewal date for our the Annual Insurance, we have a more competitive quote with a saving of Approx €500 25/3/18 Annual Mass for Deceased Members held in Cathal Brugh Barracks. Our Chaplain Fr Des Campion was not available but the Chaplain attached to CB Fr.David was available assisted by our very own Deacon Jimmy Fennel who is a member of the INA. Our National PRO Mr Terry Cummins called out the names of our deceased members and members of the family's brought up a candle to the Alter. Our Branch is named after L/S Michael Quinn and the first candle lit and placed on our window was in memory of L/S Quinn
  Neville Brennan with Stephen Murray and Brian Herron I also presented two special awards to a Taxi man and a Fire Man who came to the assistance of Neville Brennan who is a member of the INA and was in a very serious car crash and the quick action of the Taxi Man and the Ambulance Man saved Neville's Life. Neville carries out a collection at our monthly meetings for Bru na Bhfiann the House in Nrt King St that caters for Ex Military Personnel, our Treasurer Mr Kieran Connors presented a cheque to Mr Ollie O Connor the Chief Executive of the ONE for the amount of 500E which was collected during the year. After the mass all our members fell in and the Colours were paraded I laid a wreath at our Memorial Stone outside the Church for our deceased members..We then retired to the Men's Club where we had Tea / Coffee sandwiches and plenty of finger food. I made a presentation of a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Martha O Neill who was our Organist on the day. I would like to thank the following for organizing the Mass the Social Committee led by Mrs Bernie Mc Guirk, the Dublin Branch Officers led by our Chairman Brian Farrell our Nat Sec Mr Declan Pendred our Nat Pro Mr Terry Cummins our readers Mr Sean Brennan, Mr Paudy Mc Caughey and all our members who turned up on the day. Thanks to one and all.
Bryan Gildea. |
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Sunday 28/1/2018 The Michael Quinn Branch of the Irish Naval Association Dublin held a Commemoration Parade at the Plaque in Drogheda that was unveiled a few years back by the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins to Honour the unselfish bravery and devotion to duty of L/S Michael Quinn (DSM) and A/B Paul Kellett (DSM). Michael and Paul were on board LE Deirdre which was at anchor during a severe Gale in Laurances Cove in Bantry Bay on the night of the 30/1/1990 when a distress call came in seeking help for a sinking Spanish fishing vessel the Nueestra Senora De Gardtoza with sixteen seamen on board that had gone aground in Bantry Bay. The two Seamen volunteered to go and offer assistance to the sinking vessel but as they were returning to LE Deirdre the Gemini they were in capsized throwing the two men into the water. Paul scrambled over rocks and flagged down a passing Garda patrol and the alarm was raised a search was carried out for Michael but unfortunately his body was found the next day.The King of Spain also awarded the Spanish Cross of Naval Merit to both men for their Bravery on the night. The parade on Sunday was well attended with personnel from the following Organizations INA, UN Vets. RNA, ONE, and members of the Quinn family. Peter Quinn Michaels brother had arranged for sandwiches and finger food in a local Hostelry which we all retired to.
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