Search Results for 'Infantry Battalion'

Ireland stands at a pivotal moment where the lessons of our past and the uncertainties of tomorrow demand clear-eyed reflection and prudent action. For decades, neutrality was mis-sold as defencelessness, our Defence Forces were pared back in the belief that peace was permanent and threats were far away.

Private Ciara Shanahan was on duty at the gate post of Renmore Barracks on the night of August 15, 2024, when she noticed someone acting suspiciously outside.

In the history of the Defence Forces it is thought no unit has ever earned four Distinguished Service Medals simultaneously, but this will occur in Galway next month, when four Renmore-based 1st Infantry Battalion members will achieve that milestone.

Commandant Áine Gilmore is the logistics manager of Camp Shamrock. She is the highest ranked female soldier currently deployed to the Lebanese base, and one of the most senior Galwegians on site.

Lieutenant Colonel Máirtín Coffey is only one month into his new role as Barracks Commander of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, in Renmore, but he is no stranger to Galway city. He wants to improve the relationship between the military, and the wider city its members and families live in.

Galway’s 1st Infantry Battalion team qualified for the final last month after winning the regional, 1st Brigade rifle competition in March, and team member Private Stephen O’Halloran, from Oughterard, was declared All Army Rifle Champion for the second year running.

Although beaming with pride, there was a chastened atmosphere amongst family and friends of soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion, on parade in Renmore Barracks last Friday, before deploying to Lebanon next week.

RONAN FAGAN

As the Commission on the Defence Forces unveils its comprehensive report, Cllr Frankie Keena, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, spoke with the Athlone Advertiser, noting his submission thoughts prior to the publication on Wednesday morning.