The Irish Medals link on the left contains information on the various medals issued by the Irish Government.
The Department of Defence no longer issue replacement 1916 or War of Independence medals, you can apply for a certificate of service.
Relatives of those who were awarded a 1916 Medal and/or a War of Independence Medal can now apply for a certificate of service. Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time to reissue original medals. The certificate will be issued to the nearest direct next-of-kin. Please write to the following address for this service:
Veterans Administration Section,
Department of Defence,
Renmore,
- Please provide Veterans Administration Section with as many of the personal details as possible to include full name (and any variations in spelling), date of birth, the address/s resided at during the period in which they may have made the application (1924 to 1949 most likely) and the name of any next of kin at that time.
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Below is a list of Óglaigh na hÉireann Irish Defence Forces personnel who either died or were killed in action while serving with the United Nations. The memorial pictured was unveiled in Dublin on the 15th of November 2008 and is dedicated to all Óglaigh na hÉireann Irish Defence Forces personnel who gave their lives in the cause of world peace. The pyramid-shape granite memorial depicts members of the four component parts of the Defence Forces, The Army, Navy, Air Corps and Reserve. The figures are cast in bronze and standing guard over an eternal flame that emanates from the Defence Forces Badge at the centre of the structure.
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The Eternal Flame
Ireland
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26/06/1923
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On the 26th of June 1923 2nd Lieutenant John Francis McDonagh, Irish Air Service, Óglaigh Na hÉireann/National Forces died from injuries received in a plane crash on the 25th, he was an observer in the plane which crashed near Fermoy Aerodrome, Cork, the pilot was Lieutenant McCulloch. At about 400 to 500 feet the plane went into a spin and spiralled to the ground at tremendous speed hitting trees before crashing into the ground. The pilot was thrown clear of the wreckage and although receiving serious injuries he survived. McDonagh was 21 years old and had served with the IRA during the War of Independence and joined the National Army at the outbreak of the Civil War, he was from Dublin. He was buried at New Cemetery, Esker, Lucan County Dublin after mass at Baldonnel Aerodrome.
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24/01/1924
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On the 24th of January 1924 Lieutenant Timothy Nevin, Army Air Corps, Óglaigh na hÉireann/National Forces died from injuries received following an aeroplane (Hispano-Bristol BF2) crash at Baldonnel Aerodrome on the 23rd of January 1924, he was a native of Bullaun, Loughrea, County Galway. He was flying at 3,000 feet when the engine stalled, he descended to 1,000 after which the plane went into a spin and crashed to the ground. An inquiry into the crash found that the engine was in good order and that the pilot had made several errors, turning badly and not keeping the nose of the plane down. The inquiry heard from expert witnesses that 60 percent of fatal air accidents were caused by pilot failure when going into a turn. Nevin was born on the 1st of December 1895 and he had joined the Volunteers in January 1916 serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Western Division, IRA. He joined the National Army at its inception transferring to the Air Corps in June 1923 he obtained his pilots certificate in December 1923.
22/09/1925
On Tuesday the 22nd of September 1925 Commandant (Major) Thomas Joseph Maloney of the Irish Air Corps died as a result of an air crash during Army manoeuvers at the Curragh, county Kildare. The accident happened at Cherryvilla about three miles from Kildare. The plane he was flying became entangled in a tree as it swooped low in a mock bombing of a bridge. The observer in the plane, Sergeant J Treacy was severely shaken but not seriously injured. Major Maloney had to be cut from the wreckage and was removed to the Curragh Military Hospital where he died shortly after arrival.
Maloney was 26 years old and had served with the British Army during WW1 with the Yorkshire Regiment and later joined the R.A.F. where he trained as a pilot and was promoted to Lieutenant. He joined the National Army in August 1922 and served as a pilot at Baldonnell before transferring to Fermoy as Officer Commanding Air Services, he later transferred back to headquarters at Baldonnell. He was educated at Saint Peter’s, Freshfield Lancashire, Saint Munchin’s College Limerick and also attended the Civil Service College Dublin and Birmingham University. He was born on the 16th of January in Shanagolden, Limerick, and was the son of a Farmer.
21/09/1926
Two Airmen from the Irish Army Air Force were killed in an accident between Brittas and Blessington County Wicklow. They were taking part in manoeuvres flying machine number 17, a one-year-old Bristol Fighter, and part of the ‘Blue Army’ attacking the ‘Red Army’ and were in the process of bombing two armoured cars of the ‘Red Army’ when their plane nose-dived from a hight of 400 feet. The commanding officer of the Air Force at Baldonnel, Colonel Charles Francis Russell, gave evidence at the inquest into the deaths of the two pilots stating that he believed the accident was due to engine failure when changing the fuel supply from the rear tank to the front tank the engine failed to pick up the front tank. The inquest was told that the plane had been tested prior to the flight and was deemed fit for use. The accident occurred at 4.50pm. Army doctor Comdt. Stewart G.H.Q. told the inquest he witnessed the plane crash and immediately went to the site of the crash. He reported both men were alive when they were removed from the wreckage. Two priests attended the men before they were removed by ambulance to Saint Bricin’s hospital, neither man survived the journey and were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital at 6pm.
- Lieutenant Edmond O'Reilly, service number SD2655, Engineers Corps The Curragh County Kildare attached to the Air Corps at Baldonnel County Dublin. He was born in 1901 he joined the National Army on 13 May 1922 at Kilkenny having served with the IRA with the 3rd Tipperary Brigade during the War of Independence. The inquest found death was due to shock following rupture of the spinal cord at the level of the lower neck.
- Lieutenant Timothy Prenderville, Óglaigh na hÉireann/National Forces. He died from shock and haemorrhage following laceration of the brain. He was from County Kerry he was 23 years old and was the pilot.
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10/12/1940
- On the night of Tuesday the 10th of December 1940 three members of the Irish Air Corps were killed when a lorry they were travelling in overturned and burst into flames. The three men were part of a party detailed from Baldonnel Aerodrome to Rineanna Airport. While travelling from Nenagh to Limerick at Woodpark Castleconnell the lorry overturned. Along with the men travelling in the back of the lorry was a battery weighing over three ton and a ten gallon drum of petrol. When the lorry turned on its side the battery pinned the three, Lee, Myles and Lynch to the ground, Private J O’Sullivan and Private O’Connor attempted to free the trapped men assisted by Private Lynch, Private O’Connor threw the petrol drum onto the road, a few seconds later a wall of flame engulfed the lorry. The three Privates were forced to flee the lorry by the flames, the lorry was completely burned out. The inquest returned a verdict that death was caused by shock following severe burns and was instantaneous.
- Lieutenant Herbert J. Lee, aged 21, from Swords Dublin, buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
- Corporal Harry A Myles, aged 21, from Cappoquin Waterford,
- Private Robert Lynch, aged 20, Collerstown, Tara, County Meath.
16/09/1941
On the 16th of September 1941 16 Irish Soldiers were killed when a mine they were training with exploded in the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. Fifteen Soldiers died instantly and another died later from wounds received. The sixteen Soldiers wre:
- Lieutenant M. J. McLoughlin, Green Park Road, Rostrevor, Down.
- 2nd Lieutenant S Fennessy, Balltfermot, Chapelizod, Dublin.
- 2nd Lieutenant P. T. O’Neill, Dunceallaigh, Ferranferris, Cork
- 2nd Lieutenant J J Brereton, 3 Adelaide Terract, Summerhill, Cork
- Sergeant T Stokes, 10 Oaklands Park, Sandymount, Dublin. Sergeant T Stokes was the son of John J Stokes who fought at Boland’s Mills during the 1916 Rising. John J Stokes drowned while attempting to rescue a bather at Ringsend in June 1940.
- Gunner J Murphy, 57 Mount Drummond Square, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.
- Gunner J McDonnell, 190 Carrow Road, North Crumlin, Dublin.
- Corporal C Heffernan, Dublin Road, Kilbeggan
- Corporal D Cleary, Ballinamuck, Dungarvan, Waterford.
- Corporal J Taylor, 78 Ferguson Road, Drumcondra, Dublin.
- Corporal E Kennedy, 4 Jones’s Road, Drumcondra, Dublin.
- Company Sergeant P McMahon, 14 Usher’s Island, Dublin.
- Sergeant M Scullion, Lurtybrack, Letterkenny.
- Gunner J Osborne, 38 Summerhill, Dublin.
- Private J O’Hagan, 14 Brookvale Road, Donnybrook, Dublin. Died later in hospital from injuries received:
- Corporal William Shannon, 14 Mayfield Terrace, Balinteer, Dundrum, County Dublin.
06/09/1942
On Sunday the 6th of September 1942 two members of the 12th Desmond Battalion were accidently killed in a drowning accident on the River Blackwater at Ashe, Fermoy County Cork. A party of military were engaged in fording the river which they entered partly clothed. Sergeant McElligott was only about five yards from the quay wall when he got into difficulty, a civilian, James Coleman of Connolly Street Fermoy jumped in fully clothed in an attempt to save him. Lieutenant Ryan got into difficulties about the same time and was said to have disappeared under the water very quickly. After a dredging operation lasting over half an hour both bodies were recovered. The two men were:
- Lieutenant Thomas A Ryan from Cashel, County Tipperary
- Sergeant John McElligott from Rathlea, Listowel County Kerry.
01/10/1975
Two Soldiers were killed in an accident when an armoured car they were travelling in skidded off the main Dublin-Derry road into a field near Castleblayney County Monaghan. The vehicle overturned pinning the two soldiers underneath. Despite attempts by the local fire brigade and local people they were unable to save the two men, the driver of the vehicle escaped unharmed. Both soldiers were attached to the Army Field Centre at Camp Muckno, Castleblayney. The two soldiers were:
Trooper Michael Mahon of Stillorgan Dublin.
Sergeant Peter Sinnott, aged 34, 2nd Motor Squadron.
26/05/1977
On Thursday the 26th of May 1977 five Soldiers were killed in the Glen of Imaal County Wicklow. The men were manning Number Four gun firing live bombs from Cemetery Hill in the Glen of Imaal at practice targets. Having fired several successful shots they were ordered to prepair for another firing. At 1.45pm Corporal O’Donovan gave the order to drop an 81mm Swedish made mortar into the tube. Seconds later observers on the hill opposite heard a ‘peculiar noise’ and saw something shoot into the air. Father Kevin Lyon of the Parish of Donard County Wicklow anointed the men and gave each of them absolution, he stated four were alive when he arrived on the scene, two were able to talk and asked for Communion.
- Corporal Gerard O’Donovan, aged 19, single, from Curraconway, Farmers Cross, Douglas, County Cork. He was the Mortar Crew Commander.
- Private Donal Nugent, aged 28, married with four children, from Collins Park, Collins Barracks, Old Youghal Road, Cork.
- Private Cornelius Anthony Buckley, aged 21, single, from Rocklodge, Carrigrohane, County Cork.
- Private Daniel O’Connell, aged 28, married with two daughters, from Ard Erin Way, The Glen, County Cork. He had served in the Army for two years.
- Private Anthony (Tony) Hourihane, aged 19, single, from Clancy Road, Finglas East, Dublin. He was in the Army for over two years.
Private Buckley
Private Donal Nugent
Private O’Connell
Corporal O’Donovan
Lebanon
25/08/1978
Private Finbarr Gerard Moon, service number 836707, aged 18, UN Unit 43rd Battalion, Home Unit 4th Battalion Collins Barracks Cork, Single, died in a traffic accident on the on the 25th of August 1978. Born 23rd of September 1959. He played soccer with Blackpool Celtic and Gaelic games with Na Piarsaigh. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Moon of Farranree and survived by his seven brother and two sisters.
24/12/1978
Cpl. Thomas Reynolds, service number 829745, aged 35, UN 44th Battalion, Home Unit 2nd Field Supply and Transport Company McKee Barracks Dublin, from Shankill Dublin. Married with nine children, died in a traffic accident on the 24/12/1978.
10/07/1979
Pte. Philip Grogan service number 839148 died in an accidental drowning on the 10th of July 1979. He was one of four soldiers sunbathing and enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine when one of the soldiers, Pte. Thomas McKinley, was washed off the rocks by a large wave, Grogan and another Pte., Michael Nicholson of Portnoo, dived into the sea in an attempt to rescue McKinley. Grogan and McKinley were washed out to sea, both were pulled from the water by a group of French soldiers. Grogan died later in Rambam Hospital, Israel. Private McKinley recovered. Pte. Grogan was from Lifford Donegal, he was 19 years old. He was serving in the Lebanon with the 2nd HQ Company, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 28th Battalion, Finner Camp, Donegal. He was buried with full military honours at the local cemetery in Murlough.
16/4/1980
On the 16th of April 1980 Pte. Stephen Griffin service number 830497 died as a result of wounds received in action while attempting to repulse an incursion of Israeli backed Militia forces at At-Tiri in South Lebanon. Nine other Irish soldiers were captured but released soon after. Pte. Griffin received a bullet wound to the head, the bullet lodged in his brain, he was immediately removed to the University Hospital of Haifa in Israel. One of his eyes had to be removed to remove the bullet from his brain. He survived for nine days. Only hours after his death his kidneys were donated to a sixteen-year-old girl and a thirty-two-year-old man. Pte. Griffin was one of a family of eleven and was a keen boxer and a member of the Rahoon juvenile hurling club. He joined the Irish Army in October 1974 and attended the army apprentice school in Naas where he trained as a carpenter. He was posted to the 1st Field Engineers at Collins Barracks Cork where he boxed with the Father Horgan’s Club willing the Irish junior middleweight title in 1979. He was buried with full military honours at Rahoon cemetery. He was 21 years old.
18/04/1980
On the 18th of April two Irish soldiers were killed by Haddad, the Israel backed Lebanese Christian Militia. It was believed the killings were a revenge attack for the killing of a Militia man by Irish soldiers the week before. The two men were part of a group of two UN observers, two journalists and another Irish soldier, John O’Mahony, on their way to the isolated Ras observing post, one kilometre from the Israeli border when they were stopped by the heavily-armed militiamen. The party was taken to a house were the three soldiers were taken outside and shot, two died and the other, Pte. John O’Mahony, was seriously wounded. Pte. O’Mahony was shot in the house, the other two soldiers attempted to escape but were captured and shot outside.
Pte Thomas Barrett, service number 830818, aged 30, from Cork was serving with the 46th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 4th Infantry Battalion, Collins Barracks, Cork. He was a native of Macroom County Cork and married with three daughters.
Pte Derek Smallhorn, aged 31, was serving with the 46th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 5th Infantry Battalion, Collins Barracks, Cork. He joined the army in 1974, he was married with three children.
31/05/1980
On the 31st of May 1980 Sergeant Edward Yeates died when the personnel carrier he was travelling in overturned, nine other soldiers were injured, none seriously, in the accident. He was part of a routine patrol returning to their headquarters at Baraachit from the flash-point area of Beit Yahoun when the accident happened. Sgt. Yeates had completed one month of his tour of duty serving with the 47th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 2nd Motor Squadron, Griffith Barracks, Dublin. He was 43 years old and had previously served on UN missions to Cyprus and the Congo, he was married with three children.
18/10/1980
Corporal Vincent Duffy, service number 841137, was killed when a land-rover he was travelling in left the road and overturned during a routine patrol. He was serving with the 47th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 6th Field Signals Company, Curragh Camp, Kildare. He was 37 years old and married with three children. He had fifteen years service with the Irish Army and had previously served in Cyprus in 1971.
17/12/1980
On the 12th of December 1980 Private John Marshall, service number 838459 died in hospital in Haifa Israel. He had been ill since November 25th when he was admitted to the hospital suffering from tonsilitis, he died on the 17th of December after complications set in. Pte. Marshall joined the Irish Army in July 1977, the Lebanon was his first overseas tour of duty. He was 20 years old and from Coolock Dublin. He was serving with the 48th Battalion UNIFIL, his home unit was the 6th Field Supply and Transport Company, Mcgee Barracks, Kildare.
09/02/1981
On the 9th of February 1981 Company Sergeant James Martin, service number 815518, died from a heart attack. He was travelling with another Irish soldier to Tel Aviv when he was taken ill, he was brought to Ram bam Hospital in Haifa but was dead on arrival. He was married with four children and from Athlone. He was serving with the UN Military Police, 3rd Irish Component, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 4th garrison Military Police Company, Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath. He is buried in Coosan Cemetery Athlone.
27/04/1981
On the 27 of April 1981 two Irish soldiers died as a result of an attack on the observation post they were manning at Deyrintar in Southern Lebanon. When they failed to report in a patrol was sent to investigate and found Pt. Doherty’s body, Pte. Seoighe’s was missing. Deyrintar was a Shiite village about 3Km from the UN Headquarters at Tibnin and was believed to be an area friendly to UN personnel.
Private Hugh Doherty, service number 840638, was 20 years old and from Letterkenny. He was serving with the 49th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, County Donegal.
Private Caoimhín Seoighe (Kevin Joyce), service number 841579, he was 20 years old and a native of Castle Village Inis Oírr, Aran Islands. He was the youngest of six children, his parents were still living on the island where he was a frequent visitor. He was serving with the 48th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was 1st Infantry Battalion (An Ceád Cath), Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. His body was never recovered.
22/06/1981
On the 22nd of June 1981 Private Niall Byrne was killed in an accident when a Land Rover he was travelling in overturned, a statement issued by the Army stated that one of the wheels of the Land Rover left the road and when the driver attempted to compensate for this the vehicle overturned. The accident happened between Dayr Ntar and Sultaniyah He was serving with the 49th Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 6th Infantry Battalion, Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath. Pte. Byrne was 21 years old and had joined the Army in 1977.
20/03/1982
On the 20th of March 1982 Private Gerard Hodges died as a result of injuries received in a cook-house fire. He had been returned to Ireland after the accident, he died unexpectedly at Dr. Steevens Hospital Dublin. He was serving with the 50th Battalion, UNIFIL, he had previously served in the Lebanon with the 43rd Battalion, his home unit was Command Training Depot, Southern Command, Collins Barracks, Cork. He was 33 years old and from Ballymalis Beaufort County Kerry. He is buried in Kilbonane Cemetery.
25/09/1982
On the 25th of September Commandant Michael Nestor died when the Land Rover he was travelling in struck and landmine at the village of Zua Dukhah, ten miles from Beirut. 3 other soldiers, 2 US Army Majors and a Finnish Captain travelling in the Land Rover with Comdt. Nestor were also killed, all four were unarmed. Comdt. Nestor was serving with the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation, his home unit was the Military College, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He had previously served in Cyprus with the 13th Infantry Group UNFICYP. He was 36 years old and married with three children.
27/10/1982
On the 27th of October 1982 three Irish soldiers were killed at a check-point at Tibnin Bridge near Tibnin Village in South Lebanon. The check-point was being manned by four Irish soldiers, initially the only surviving soldier, Private Michael McAleavey claimed the check-point was attacked by gunmen but later admitted he had murdered his three fellow soldiers. McAleavey served 27 years in prison after being found guilty of the murders.
Private Peter Burke, service number 843152, he was 20 years old and serving with the 51st Battalion, UNNIFIL, his home unit was the 5th Infantry Battalion, Collins Barracks, Dublin. He is buried in Palmerstown, Dublin.
Private Thomas Murphy, service number 843886, he was 19 years old and serving with the 52nd Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 2nd Infantry Battalion, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
Corporal Gregory Morrow, service number 841689, he was 20 years old and serving with the 52nd Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 2nd Infantry Battalion, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. He is buried in Lurgan, County Armagh.
09/10/1984
On the 9th of October 1984 Corporal George Murray, service number 843587 died as a result of gunshot wounds accidently received while on patrol from Tibnin to UNIFIL Headquarters at Naqoura in the Lebanon. He was serving with the 55th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 2nd Garrison Military Police Company, Collins Barracks, Dublin. He was 21 years old, single and from Dublin. He joined the Army in May 1980. His brother served with the Defence Forces band, Western Command. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
20/07/1986
On the 20th of July 1986 Trooper Paul Fogarty, service number 844963, died when an armoured personnel carrier he was driving overturned. He joined the Army in November 1980 and had qualified as a tank-driver and parachutist, his father was a serving BQMS at Devoy Barracks Naas, his brother Sean was a Sergeant serving in the Lebanon and another brother was serving with the 3rd Battalion in the Curragh. He was serving with the 59th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was 1st Tank Squadron, Curragh Camp, Kildare. He was 23 years old and is buried in Newbridge Cemetery.
21/08/1986
On the 21st of Lieutenant August Aonghus Murphy, service number 0.922, died when a landmine exploded while he was leading a patrol from his platoon headquarters in At Tiri. Lt. Murphy was commander of B Company, 59th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 12th Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield barracks, Limerick. The patrol was made up of Lt. Murphy, three other soldiers on foot and two in an armoured personnel carrier. The incident happened on the road between the villages of At Tiri and Haddathah. Two other soldiers, Pte. Colin Moore from Carlow and Gunner Liam Malloy from Kildare, were injured and treated in the Swedish Hospital for UN Troops in Naqoura. Lt. Murphy was 25 years old and from Tuam County Galway. He joined the Defence Forces as a cadet in November 1979 and was commissioned in April 1981. His father was Brigadier General Kevin Murphy head of the Western Command.
06/12/1986
On the 6th of December 1986 Private William O’Brien, service number 850413, died from a bullet wound to the head after he was hit by ricochet bullet while manning a checkpoint at the headquarters of the 60th Battalion, UNIFIL, at Baraachit, Southern Lebanon. The checkpoint came under heavy machine-gun fire from the Israeli-backed militia the Free Lebanese Army. Rte. O’Brien was taken by helicopter to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel, where he died. He was serving with the 60th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 6th Infantry Battalion, Custume Barracks, Athlone. Pte. O’Brien was 25 years old, married with one child, the couple were expecting their second child early in 1987. He had been in the Lebanon since October; he was on his first overseas tour of duty. He was buried in Coosan Cemetery Athlone.
10/01/1987
On the 10th of January 1987 Corporal Dermot McLoughlin, service number 848100, was killed in action when the post he was manning was hit by tank fire. The post at Baraachit was hit by three rounds of tank fire by the SLA, an Israeli-backed Lebanese militia, from a Merkava tank. Cpl. McLoughlin was 33 years old, married with five children and from Sligo. He was serving with the 60th battalion, UNIFIL and had previous service with the 54th Battalion. His home unit was the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, County Donegal. He was buried in Sligo cemetery. Cpl. McLoughlin had lost two of his brothers, Patsy and John, in the Lough Gill drowning tragedy in 1984.
24/02/1987
On the 24th of February 1987 Regimental Sergeant Major John Fitzgerald, service number 830670 died from a bullet wound received when he accidently discharged his handgun. He was serving with 15th Component UNIFIL at their headquarters in Naqoura, Lebanon. His home unit was the 1st Field Artillery Regiment, Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, Cork. He was 47 years old, married with one child. He enlisted in the Army in 1974 having previously served in the FCA in his native Cork. He had previously served in the Lebanon with the 45th Battalion UNIFIL.
29/08/1987
In the early hours of Saturday the 29th of August 1987 Corporal George Bolger died in hospital in Haifa, Israel, from a heart attack after suffering a suspect brain haemorrhage. He had become ill on Friday and was rushed from his UN outpost in the village of Khirbet Selm by helicopter the Swedish Hospital in Naqoura and later transferred to Haifa. He was serving with the 61st Battalion, UNIFIL. His home unit was the 12th Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield barracks, Limerick. He had previous service in the Lebanon with the 48th Battalion, UNIFIL. He was married with one child, he was from Limerick.
17/03/1988
On the 17th of march 1988 Gunner Paul Cullen, service number 851307, died as a result of an accident when he fell from the 4th floor of an apartment block in Limassol, Cyprus. He was on leave in the popular holiday resort when he attempted to climb into the apartment after he left his keys at a local disco. He was on leave from the Lebanon where he was serving with the 62nd Battalion, UNIFIL. His home unit was the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, McKee Barracks, Dublin. He was 20 years old and from Dublin.
21/08/1988
On the 21st of August 1988 Private Patrick Wright, service number 848545, died from a stomach wound received when he accidentally discharged his weapon. He was flown by helicopter from the village of Haddatha, Lebanon, to the UN field hospital in Naqoura where he died a shot time after arrival. Pte. Wright was serving with the 63rd battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 27th Infantry Battalion, Aiken barracks, Dundalk, County Louth. He was 27 years old and had served with the 55th Battalion, UNIFIL in 1984. He joined the Defence Forces in 1981, he was a native of Ardee County Louth.
24/02/1989
On the 24th of February 1989 Private Michael McNeela, service number 851275, was shot dead as he manned a UN check-point at Haddatha, South Lebanon by the South Lebanese Army (SLA) an Israeli back militia. He was shot in the chest while on check point duty by machine-gunners from the SLA. He was serving with the 64th Battalion, UNIFIL, he had previously served in the Lebanon with the 61st Battalion, UINFIL. His home unit was the 27 Infantry Battalion, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, Louth. He was 21 years old and from Dundalk.
21/03/1989
On the 21st of March 1989 three Irish soldiers serving in the Lebanon were kill by a land-mine while on a routine daily water deliver duty to various Irish outposts. The explosion happened as they travelled along a dirt-track near the village of Baraachit, the UN truck they were travelling in was ripped apart by the massive explosion.
Corporal Fintan Heneghan, service number 844701, 64th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 1st Infantry Battalion, (An Ceád Cath) Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. He was 29 years old and from Ballinrobe, Mayo. This was his 4th tour of duty in the Lebanon having served with the 51st, 56th and 61st Battalions, UNIFIL.
Private Thomas Walsh, service number 844789, 64th Battalion, UNIFIL. He was 29 years old and from Tubbercurry, Sligo. This was his 2nd tour of duty in the Lebanon having previously served with the 55th Battalion, UNIFIL. His home unit was the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Donegal.
Private Mannix Armstrong, service number 843237, 64th Battalion, UNIFIL. He was 26 years old and from Sligo. This was his 2nd tour of duty in the Lebanon having previously served with the 52nd Battalion, UNIFIL. His home unit was the 28th Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Donegal.
21/05/1989
On Sunday the 21st of May 1989 Sergeant Charles Forrester. Service number 837612, died from natural causes while serving with the 65th Battalion, UNIFIL, in Al Yatun near Tibnin. His home unit was the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, (2 FAR), McKee barracks, Dublin. He was 37 years old and a native of Dublin. He had previously served with 47th and 54th Battalions, UNIFIL. He was married with one child.
21/11/1989
On Tuesday the 21st of November 1989 Commandant Michael O’Hanlon, service number 0.8527, died as a result of a shooting accident when his gun went off in the officers’ quarters at Camp Shamrock the Irish battalion headquarters in Tibnin. He was 39 years old married with two children. He was serving with the 66th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was HQ Curragh Command, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He had previously served in the Lebanon with the 50th Battalion, UNIFIL. He was a native of Cork city.
15/11/1991
On Friday the 15th of November 1991 Corporal Michael McCarthy, service number 848020, was kill in action in the village of At-Tiri in Southern Lebanon. The Israelis claimed that the Irish patrol arrived in the middle of a gun battle between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and the Israeli backed South Lebanese Army Cpl. McCarthy was killed in the cross-fire, UN intelligence stated that there was no battle and the SLA soldier killed at the time had been accidently shot by one of his own men. Irish Army Pte. Richard McGrath was seriously injured in the same incident. Cpl. McCarthy was buried in Saint Gobnait’s Cemetery in Mallow, the band of the Southern Command played the Last Post and Reveille. He was serving with the 70th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 4th Infantry Battalion, Collins Barracks, Cork. He was 33 years old and married with two children, he was from Cork.
29/09/1992
On Tuesday the 29th of September 1992 Corporal Peter Ward, service number 843715, was killed in action by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah who had been stopped at an Irish UN check-point in Southern Lebanon. Cpl. Ward was part of a column going to the aid of the 21-man check-point which had stopped Hezbollah militia, he was manning a gun on one of the three armoured personnel carriers sent to the area to assist the check-point. Firing erupted without warning, Cpl. Ward was hit before he could take cover. Irish Army Pte Neil Coleman was injured. Cpl. Ward was serving with the 71st Battalion, UNIFIL. His home unit was the 6th Infantry Battalion, Custume Barracks, Athlon, Westmeath. He was 29 years old and married with four children. He had served in the Lebanon on two previous tours with the 51st and 63rd Battalions, UNIFIL. His brother-in-law Pte. William O’Brien was shot in the same area by the Israeli-backed militia the Free Lebanese Army in December 1986. He was a native of Annaghmore County Leitrim. He played Hurling and Football with Gortlettragh GAA Club. He was buried in Coosan Cemetery, Athlone.
13/12/1992
On the 13th of December 1992 the body of Corporal Martin Tynan, service number 842626, was found in a hotel bedroom in Netanya Israel, he was on ten days leave serving with the 72nd Battalion, UNIFIL, in the Lebanon. He died from natural causes. He was 30 years old, married with three children and from Kildare. His home unit was Depot, MPC, Curragh camp, County Kildare.
14/06/1993
On the 14th of June 1993 Company Quartermaster Sergeant Declan Stokes, service number 830851, died from a heart attack while playing in an inter-unit football match in South Lebanon, he took ill while paying in the match which took place in a village call Harris. CQMS Stokes was 39 years old, married with five children and was from Kildare. He was serving with the 50th Battalion, UNIFIL. His home unit was the Military College, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He was buried in New Abbey Cemetery, Kilcullen, Kildare.
03/10/1993
On the 3rd of October 1993 Airman Stephen O’Connor, service number 848554, died as a result of wounds received due to the accidental discharge of his Steyr rifle, the accident happened while he was on duty near Tibnin, Southern Lebanon. Airman O’Conner was 32 years old, married with one child and from Tallaght, Dublin. He was serving with the 73rd Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was Administration Wing Air Corps, Baldonnell, County Dublin. He had eleven years’ service in the Defence Forces and was on his second tour of the Lebanon have previous service with the 68th Battalion, UNIFIL.
06/08/1997
On the 6th of August 1997 Sergeant John Lynch, service number 846385, was killed in a helicopter accident in South Lebanon while serving with the 36th Irish Component, UNIFIL. Four Italian UN Troops were also killed in the crash. Sergt. Lynch was 32 years old, married with two children and was on his sixth tour of duty in the Lebanon having previously served with the 59th and 65th Battalions, UNIFIL and the Irish Component of the 29th, 30th and 35th Battalions, UNIFIL. Tow months before the accident he had been kidnapped by Hezbollah while on leave in Beirut, he was held overnight before being released. His home unit was HQ Curragh Command, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He was from Newbridge, County Kildare.
16/09/1998
On the 16th Corporal Michael Dowling, service number 851719, died as a result of an illness contracted while serving in the Lebanon. Cpl. Dowling was serving with B Company, 83rd Battalion, UNIFIL when he complained of a sore throat, he left the Lebanon on the 15th of August for two weeks home leave, on August 30th he saw his local GP and was admitted to Saint Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny with acute infection. His condition worsened and he was transferred to Ardkeen Hospital in Waterford on the 1st of September. He developed respiratory failure secondary to his infection and died as a result on the 16th of September. Cpl. Dowling was 31 years old, single and from Graiguenamanagh County Kilkenny. He was on his eight tour of duty in the Lebanon have previously served with the 62nd, 65th, 69th, 73rd, 76th, 79th and 82nd Battalions, UNIFIL.
18/02/1999
On the 18th of February 1999 Private Kevin Barrett, service number 856952, was found dead in the sleeping quarters of an observation post at the UNIFIL base in South Lebanon, he died from a single gun-shot wound to the head, the incident was believed to have been accidental. Pte. Barrett was 20 years old, single and from County Donegal. He was serving with the 84th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 28th Infantry battalion, Finner Camp, Donegal.
31/05/1999
In the early hours of Monday morning on the 31st of May Private Billy Kedian, service number 856310 was killed by a mortar explosion at a UN observation post in the Lebanon. When the firing began, he had dashed from his billet towards the bunker and was within feet of safety when he was hit by the blast, the attack on the observation post was carried out by the Israeli backed South Lebanese militia. He was serving with the 85th Battalion, UNIFIL, his home unit was the 1st Infantry Battalion (An Ceád Cath) Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway. It was his second tour of duty in the Lebanon having previously served with the 82nd Battalion, UNIFIL. He was 21 years old and from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. Two other Irish soldiers were injured in the incident, one seriously, Private Ronnie Rush was airlifted to Rambam Hospital. Pte. Kedian joined the Defence Forces in 1996, he was buried with full military honours in Ballyhaunis.
05/09/1999
On the 5th of September Trooper Jonathan Campbell, service number 854526, died in an accident when he fell from his motor cycle Beirut. He was 28 years old and from Longford. He was 28 years old and had been in the Defence Forces for nine years. He was on his sixth tour of duty in the Lebanon having served with the 75th, 77th, 79th and 84th Battalions and with the 36th Irish Component, UNIFIL. Trooper Campbell was serving with the 85th Battalion, UNIFIL when he died, his home unit was the 4th Cavalry Squadron, Connolly Barracks, Longford.
14/02/2000
On the 14th of February four Irish soldiers serving in South Lebanon died in a traffic accident when the mini-bus they were travelling in skidded on an oil-slick and overturned. They were on their way to Beirut to begin a St. Valentine Day’s break. All four were serving with the 86th Battalion, UNIFIL and based at Camp Shamrock in Tibnin, South Lebanon and all on their first tour of Duty in the Lebanon. They were part of a group of thirteen soldiers who had taken a fortnight’s leave in Cyprus and Thailand when their six-vehicle convoy hit an oil-slick on the main costal road into Beirut at Damour about twelve kilometres outside the capital.
Private Declan Deere, service number 857259. He was 21 years old. His home unit was the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He was buried alongside his life-long friend Jonathan Murphy in St. Michael’s cemetery Athy.
Private Brendan Fitzpatrick, service number 857331, aged 19. His home unit was the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He was from Laois and was buried in the cemetery adjoining St. Fintan’s church Raheen, County Laois.
Private Matthew Lawlor, service number 857266. He was 23 years old. His home unit was the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He was buried in Nurney cemetery County Kildare.
Private Jonathan Murphy, service number 857271. He was 21 years old. His home unit was the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Curragh Camp, County Kildare. He was buried alongside his life-long friend Declan Deere in St. Michael’s cemetery Athy.
