On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, ARCO salutes the initiative, foresight, and determination of all those Defence Forces Veterans involved in the establishment of ONE on 10 March, 1951. ONE’s services have made a significant contribution to the well-being, needs and interests of retired personnel of […]
If you are a member of ARCOIreland and have recently changed your email address from the Eircom provider, or for any other reason, please contact our Membership Secretary via this LINK to advise him of your new email address. Include your service number when doing so for verification purposes. Almost 750 of our members now receive texts […]
During its AGM, held on 02 October 2020, ARCO formally launched its support for the Defence Forces Monitoring Programme. Reinforcing ARCO’s motto Camaraderie Through Service, and the Association’s outreach programme with serving officers, this mentoring initiative reciprocates the investment and experiences accruing from service in the Defence Forces. ARCO members are now invited and encouraged […]
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme The vaccination programme for COVID-19 has begun. However, as members will have seen in the media, it is not possible for everyone to get the vaccine at the same time. The vaccine will be made available to different groups of people at different times, depending on priority. The estimated time frame when […]
On 07 January 1961, the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Seán McKeown was appointed Force Commander of the United Nations Operation in the Republic of the Congo: Opération des Nations Unies au Congo (ONUC). Commanding a UN force of 19,828 personnel, Lt Gen McKeown established the Katanga Command, and served during Operation Rumpunch, […]
On 15 December 2020, the Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., announced Government approval for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. Speaking following the Government meeting, Minister Coveney stated: The establishment of […]
A monthly medical clinic, conducted by Dr Cathal Berry TD, has been established in Brú na bhFiann, the largest Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) Hostel for Homeless Veterans. Cathal is a member of ARCO and a veteran of the Defence Forces having served in the Army Ranger Wing before qualifying as a medical doctor […]
The theme of the Defence Forces Review 2020 is: The global island: Strategic implications for Irish defence planning in the evolving geopolitical landscape. Edited by Lieutenant-Commander Paul Hegarty and Doctor Caitriona Dowd, this year’s edition is published in academic collaboration with the Dublin City University School of Law and Government. The 2020 Review reflects on […]
On 8 November 1960, an eleven-man patrol from Number 2 Platoon, A Company, 33 Infantry Battalion, ONUC, departed their base at Niemba, under the command of Lieutenant Kevin Gleeson. Having dismounted at a crossing point on the Luweyeye River, twenty kilometres from Niemba, the patrol was attacked without warning by a large number of Baluba […]
McKee Officers’ Club has produced a remarkable film celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the deployment of the first Defence Forces unit on UN Peacekeeping Operations with ONUC in the Congo. “Ireland in the Service of the Future”, featuring the 32 Inf Bn and 33 Inf Bn, was edited and produced by Gerry McColgan, supported by […]
By continuing to use the ARCO Website, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.