ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Michael (Mick) Tallon of Moanfin, Arcadia, Athlone, County Westmeath and formerly of Griffith Avenue, Dublin. Michael passed away peacefully on 13th October 2024 surrounded by his loving family in the exceptional care of the nurses and staff of Moate Nursing Home. Predeceased by his loving wife Anna Tallon (née Spain), daughter Valerie Kenny, brothers Eddie (Congregation of Christian Brothers), Ronnie and Tony, sisters Marie and Jenn. Sadly missed by his loving family Michael (Boston, USA), Melissa (Moate), Sandra (Tullamore) and Marise (Kent, UK), much loved brother to Pauline and Irene, his adoring grandchildren Alan, Captain Brian Clarke (92 Cadet Class), Jennie, Conor, Leanne, Ciara and Jack. Lovingly remembered by Michael’s companion Elizabeth (Betty) Newman, his son Michael’s partner Joanna, sons-in-law Ray Claffey, Martin Clarke and Martin Gevaux, nephews, nieces, extended family, and Defence Forces comrades.
May Michael’s Soul Rest In Peace
Mick Tallon was born in Dublin on 19th February 1931. Having spent some time as a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Mick enlisted in An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe on15th January 1951. Before the end of that year he was awarded a cadetship with 26 Cadet Class and entered the Cadet School on 4th December. Commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 23rd November 1953 he took up his first posting with 6 Infantry Battalion, Athlone and went on to serve in a wide variety of appointments with that unit. Mick also served with An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil units and in staff appointments in Western Command Headquarters. He was a Company Commander with 28 Infantry Battalion and with 6 Infantry Battalion. On promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel he was appointed as Officer Commanding 3 Infantry Battalion in the Curragh and subsequently returned to Athlone to take command of 6 Infantry Battalion. He would also serve as Executive Officer 4 Infantry Brigade. Mick retired from the Defence Forces in 1988 having mentored countless members of the Defence Forces of all ranks throughout his years of service. In 2014 Mick was instrumental in founding 6 Infantry Battalion Officers Association.
Overseas Mick served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus as a Captain, Second-in-Command, C Company, 11 Infantry Group from September 1968 to March 1969.
A keen all-round sportsman Mick, while a member of An Chéad Chathlán, had trials for the Galway Senior Gaelic Football Team which went on to take the 1956 title, beating Cork in the final. While serving in 6 Battalion he was a member of many Battalion, Brigade and Command teams in Gaelic, Soccer and Rugby. An avid golfer, and once holding a handicap of 3, he played consistently until earlier this year in Athlone Golf Club.
Mick lived for most of his life in Athlone, marrying Anne Spain who was a daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Billy Spain, an officer in the North Tipperary Brigade of the IRA during the War of Independence and later in the National Army and the Defence Forces.
Reposing at his Residence (Moanfin, Arcadia, N37 P589) on Tuesday from 4pm until 8pm (house private outside these hours please). Requiem Mass on Wednesday in Saint Mary’s Church, Athlone at 10:30am (https://www.churchservices.tv/athlonestmarys) followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery.
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Mick’s death notice on rip.ie – https://rip.ie/death-notice/lt-col-michael-tallon-dublin-571500
