ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Father Gerard (Gerry) Dowd S.D.B., The Bungalow, Yellow Road, Aughamuckey, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny on 11th June 2026, surrounded by his family, in the wonderful care of the Staff at Castlecomer District Hospital. Pre-deceased by his father Bill, brother Liam, nephew Lorcan, aunts and uncles. Gerard […]
Author Archives: William Campbell
12
Jun
Jun
June Pension Increase Pensions Section intends to include the benefit of the 1st of June 2026 increase in pensions, under the Public Service Agreement 2024 to 2026, for the vast majority of military pensioners in the June payroll. This is a general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% and […]
30
May
May
ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Sister Emily McDonagh, Army Nursing Service, of Tomany, Kylebrack, Loughrea, County Galway and formerly of The Curragh Camp, County Kildare. Emily passed away peacefully, on Friday, 29th May 2026 surrounded by her loving family and in the care of the Staff of Portumna Retirement Village. […]
27
May
May
The AIB Community €1 Million Fund for 2026 is now open for nominations. ARCO encourages its members to nominate ONE for an allocation from this Fund to help finance its vital work for veterans. ONE supports Irish veterans by the provision of accommodation in its Veterans Homes. It also provides Veterans with Mental Health advice […]
26
May
May
Listen to STANDEASY on Spotify. Stand Easy is a podcast about Ireland’s defence, security, and place in a changing world. Hosted by retired Irish Naval Service Commander Tony Geraghty, it explores how Ireland manages its national security, from defence policy and neutrality to the institutions behind it. The podcast can be accessed on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcGefC5zQKHQHUWYD4JyE […]
23
May
May
ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Commandant John Young, of Kilmacud, Dublin, on 22nd May 2026. John died peacefully, in his 92nd year, surrounded by his loving family in the exceptional care of the staff at the Leopardstown Park Hospital and Blackrock Hospice Community team. Predeceased by his beloved wife Breda. […]
14
May
May
ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death, on 5th May 2026 unexpectedly at his home, of Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Stephen (Nicky) O’Connor, late of Summerseat Close, Clonee, County Meath, and formerly of Arklow, County Wicklow. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his brother Joseph, sister-in-law Pat, nephews, nieces, extended family, Defence Forces comrades, and […]
01
May
May
Colonel Fred O’Callaghan died on 5th October 2024, aged 96 (https://arcoireland.com/col-fred-ocallaghan-rip/). Fred, who kindly donated his body to the University College Dublin School of Medicine, will now be laid to rest on Saturday, 2nd of May at 11am in Shanganagh Cemetery, County Dublin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
24
Apr
Apr
Thursday, 9th April 2026 was commissioning day for the 52 members of 101 Cadet Class at Pearse Barracks, The Curragh. Major-General Maureen O’Brien DSM (Retd) represented ARCO at the ceremony and presented the association’s sword to the best overall student on the course, Lieutenant Matthew Sweeney. Matthew is from Ardara, County Donegal, is 25 years […]
21
Apr
Apr
RACO has contacted ARCO to say they have been informed by LAYA, with whom they operate their group health insurance scheme, that the scheme underwriters (AXA) are no longer willing to support the 10% discount for their members and have reduced it to 3%. The RACO group scheme ID is 26290. This took effect on […]