The 12th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day was held in McKee Barracks, Dublin, on Sunday, 28th September 2025. Veterans’ Day recognises and celebrates the service of all former members of Óglaigh na hÉireann and commemorates those Irish soldiers who lost their lives serving the State and in the service of peace. It also pays tribute to […]
Category Archives: Events
17
Sep
Sep
ARCO members have been invited to this year’s Defence Forces Veterans’ Day. The ceremony takes place on Sunday, 28th September 2025 commencing at 1100hrs, in McKee Barracks, Dublin. To demonstrate solidarity with Óglaigh na hÉireann during these challenging times, the Executive Committee strongly encourages ARCO members to attend. Veterans’ Day reaches out to honour retired […]
21
Jul
Jul
On Friday, 18th July 2025, the Vice President of the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers, Captain NS David Barry (Retd), attended the Naval Service Commissioning in the Naval Base, Haulbowline, County Cork and presented the Association’s award to newly commissioned Sub-Lieutenant Oisín Anderson. Our photo, taken by Able-Seaman David Jones, shows the Chief of Staff […]
17
Jul
Jul
The National Day of Commemoration, An Lá Comórtha Náisiúnta, took place on Sunday, 13 July 2025 throughout Ireland. This year the principal event was held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. Ceremonies were also held in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford, and Sligo. The President of ARCO, Major-General Maureen O’Brien (Retd), accompanied by Captain David […]
26
May
May
On Monday, 19th May 2025, the President of the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers, Major-General Maureen O’Brien (Retired), attended the Air Corps Commissioning in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and presented the Association’s sword to newly commissioned Lieutenant Thomas Bourgnon. Thomas is from La Chaux-du-Milieu in Switzerland. His mother is originally from Sligo. He was born in […]
08
Mar
Mar
This morning, Saturday 8th March 2025, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris TD presented the sisters of Private Billy Kedian from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, with his posthumous Distinguished Service Medal – With Honour, at a very moving and emotional ceremony in Dún Uí Mhaolíosa. ARCO was represented by our President, Major-General Maureen O’Brien DSM […]
16
Sep
Sep
Book now for the Defence Forces Annual Gala Concert which takes place in the National Concert Hall on Saturday, 19th October 2024 at 8 pm. Booking is at (01) 4170000 or through the NCH website at www.nch.ie Defence Forces Bands and special guest soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson will combine for an evening of military favourites and […]
06
Sep
Sep
Due to a severe weather alert this ceremony has been cancelled. The annual Defence Forces Veterans Day will take place on Sunday, 29th September at 1200 hours in McKee Barracks Dublin. All Defence Forces Veterans are welcome. To demonstrate solidarity with Óglaigh na hÉireann during these challenging times, the Executive Committee strongly encourages ARCO […]
03
Sep
Sep
The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel’s principal National Fundraising and Awareness Event is the Fuchsia Appeal, which will be launched in Merrion Square on 26th September 2024 at 12 Noon. The Appeal will run from 26th September 2024 to 9th November 2024 which is the date that ONE will host the 63rd Annual Mass and […]
25
Jan
Jan
The launch of the Defence Forces Review 2023 publication will take place in Maynooth University on 1st February 2024 at 1000 am. ARCO members wishing to attend this event should RSVP to dfreview@military.ie to confirm their attendance. The programme for the event may be viewed HERE.