As part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and in line with the Programme for Government commitment, a special ceremony took place in Dublin Castle for serving members of the Defence Forces, who were presented with a specially commissioned medal to mark their role in this Centenary year.
The 1916 Centenary Commemorative medals were presented to a number of Defence Force personnel by the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, the Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister with Responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Simon Coveney, T.D., and Minister for Health Simon Harris T.D.
The awarding of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, both Permanent and Reserve, who have served during this centenary year of 2016. It highlights the Government’s appreciation of the excellent work undertaken by the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, both at home and overseas, and the commitment to excellence which is a hallmark of our Defence Forces.
At the ceremony, the President spoke of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal as a very well deserved honour for all members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who have served during this centenary year of 2016 with their customary dignity, pride and respect.
Speaking about the ceremony the Tánaiste said “I, along with members of the Government and the citizens of our country, have participated in remarkable and moving ceremonies commemorating key events that took place 100 years ago. The awarding of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is a fitting tribute and thank you from the Government, on behalf of the people of Ireland, to our Defence Forces for their dedication to duty during this commemorative year.”
The ceremony in Dublin Castle, which was hosted by the Department of Defence in cooperation with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, will be followed by ceremonies in eleven military installations around the country in December 2016, at which the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., will present the 1916 Centenary Commemorative medal in the different regions. Minister Kehoe said, “The awarding of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is a special token of our appreciation for the selfless service of the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, who have been the uniting element in events marking this centenary year of 2016. The solemnity that Defence Forces personnel provide at State commemorations has demonstrated the professionalism and high standards that the Defence Forces apply to all of its roles and missions. Over the coming weeks, I will present this medal to members of our Defence Forces, to wear with pride and in doing so accept the gratitude of the Government and the Irish people.”
Note for Editors
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to “award a 1916 Centenary Commemorative medal to all members of the Permanent Defence Forces who are in service in 2016 and to serving members of the Reserve Defence Forces in 2016 as part of the single force concept”.
The State ceremony in Dublin Castle involved the awarding of 1916 Centenary medals to a group of Defence Forces members representing both Permanent and Reserve Forces of different ranks, both male and female and from all branches of the service.
Presentation ceremonies will also be held between 5th December and 19th December at military installations in Sarsfield Barracks Limerick, Collins Barracks Cork, Stephens Barracks Kilkenny, The Curragh Camp Kildare, Aiken Barracks Dundalk, Cathal Brugha Barracks Rathmines, Finner Camp Donegal, Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel, Haulbowline Naval Base Cobh, Dún Úi Mhaolíosa Galway and Custume Barracks Athlone.