ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Des Hearns, on 27th January 2021, peacefully, in Cork University Hospital. Late of Dalkey, the Curragh, Dungarvan and Tenerife. Son of Richard (Dick) and Clare (both deceased), brother to deceased Barry, Dorothy and Colm (Ollie). Dearly missed by his partner Maire and his wife Maeve: his children Colonel Mark, Ruth and Lise; his brothers Commandant Frank and Vincent and his sisters in law; his grandchildren Rachel, Alanna and Sasha; son-in-law Martin and daughter-in-law Olga; Maire’s children Orla and Shelley and her granddaughter Raluca; his many nephews and nieces; his Defence Forces comrades, serving and retired; and his many friends from sport, music agus cúrsaí teanga na nGael.
Des Hearns was born on 11th May 1938 and joined the Defence Forces as a Cadet with 31 Cadet Class in 1956. He was commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 1st December 1958. He served in the Curragh and in Dublin in a variety of posts. In 1968 Des began reading for a degree in civil law and also studied to become a barrister. Called to the Bar in 1971 he was transferred to the legal service in 1977 and held postings in Defence Forces Headquarters and as Command Legal officer at Curragh Command Headquarters.
Overseas Des served with the United Nations in the Congo as a Lieutenant, Platoon Commander, C Company, 36 Infantry Battalion in 1961 and as a Legal Officer in Lebanon on a number occasions with UNIFIL.
Des, like his father Dick, was heavily involved in amateur boxing for much of his life. He spent 20 years on the National Boxing Council and refereed at international level including two Boxing World Cups.
A private family funeral will take place in line with Government advice regarding public gatherings. Des’ Funeral Mass can be viewed on Monday morning, February 1st, at 11.00 am on the following link: https://www.livestreamireland.ie/dh010221
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Des’ death notice on rip.ie – https://rip.ie/death-notice/lieutenant-colonel-des-hearns-dungarvan-waterford/447749
