On Thursday, 4th December 2025, the Irish United Nations Veterans Training Centre was officially opened by the Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD at Arbour Hill. The centre is dedicated to the late Major-General Vinny Savino, the Founding Member and National Honorary President of IUNVA. Major-General Maureen O’Brien DSM (Retd) represented ARCO at the event. […]
Author Archives: William Campbell
06
Dec
Dec
Saturday, 29th November 2025, marked the unveiling of a bust of Trooper Anthony Browne MMG at Arbour Hill. The bust was commissioned by a committee from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association and was undertaken by one of Ireland’s leading bronze portrait sculptors, Séamus Connolly. The plinth stand, and inscription, is by Stephen Bracken of […]
30
Nov
Nov
ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Colonel Henry F (Harry) Johnston, Lissan House, Priorland Road, Dublin Road, Dundalk, County Louth who passed away peacefully, on Sunday 30th November, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (née McDonnell) and dear father of Mark, Harry, and Paul. Predeceased by his parents […]
30
Nov
Nov
Pensions Section of the Department of Defence has contacted ARCO to confirm that the December payment date for Military Pensions is Friday 19th December 2025. The date for the January 2026 pension payment has not yet been finally agreed with NSSO, but the proposed date is Friday January 30th, 2026. For members’ general information, the […]
30
Nov
Nov
An open competition for appointment to the position of Captain of the Guard in the Houses of the Oireachtas Service has been announced. The closing date for applications is 17th December 2025. Full information is contained in the Candidate Information Booklet which may be accessed HERE.
22
Nov
Nov
On Thursday, 20th November 2025 The Joint Committee on Defence and National Security invited ARCO to a meeting in Leinster House to brief the Committee in relation to Key Issues Affecting Defence Forces Veterans. Invitations to the meeting were also sent to the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel and […]
19
Nov
Nov
ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Captain Ronald J (Ronnie) McPartland of Howth County Dublin and formerly of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim on 16th November 2025. Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and in the wonderful care of staff at Howth Hill Lodge Nursing Home. Beloved husband of Patricia and loving father […]
14
Nov
Nov
On 13th November 2025 ARCO received the following communication from the Office of Veteran Affairs, Support Services & Veteran Affairs Branch of the Department of Defence: As you are no doubt aware, the Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry has recently made Disclosure Orders against the Minister for Defence and the Chief of Staff. I thought […]
12
Nov
Nov
On Saturday, 8th November 2025 the Annual Commemoration Ceremony for those who died in the Niemba Ambush took place in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. The ceremony, which was organised by the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), commenced with Mass in the Garrison Church and was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. Our President, Major-General […]
11
Nov
Nov
Further to our posting of 5th November on the Establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs, the President of ARCO has received this letter from Mr Simon Harris TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence. ARCO has played an active part in bringing the process to this point. An agreed Veterans Policy now needs to be […]