An Post has selected a photo from Amelia Stein's exhibition, "THE BLOODS", entitled "Camogie Player" of Private Ciara Nevin, 3rd Infantry Battalion, to honour the State Art Collection by enshrining them as part of a special issue booklet of stamps.

We wish to extend our deepest condolences from all the personnel of Óglaigh na hÉireann to the family and friends of Garda Kevin Flatley and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

7th of May: President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris attended Arbour Hill with the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy and family members of the leaders of the 1916 Rising for the 101st State Commemoration of the 1916 Rising.

Today, The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, reviewed the 126th Infantry Battalion at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Galway. The 126th Infantry Battalion will deploy to UNIFIL in May for their 6 month deployment.

Today, President Michael D Higgins and over 160 men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann commemorated the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Captain Conor Gibbons read the Proclamation of the Republic on the steps of the GPO, where Pádraig Pearse read them 109 years ago.

Last week, The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD officially opened the new helicopter hanger in Custume Barracks, Athlone for the Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), operated by the Air Corps, in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service.

Congratulations to the 7th Infantry Battalion's team, Sgt Eric Spellman, Cpl Shane Williams, Pte Glenn Caroll and Pte Karl Taaffe, who took part in the Mass Guard 2025 Best Warrior Competition which concluded yesterday. Sgt Spellman and Pte Caroll securing 2nd in the NCO and Pte categories.

From March 25–April 10, 139 Irish Defence Forces personnel joined MILEX 2025 in Hungary with 850 troops from 13 EU nations. They played key roles in planning, logistics, and field ops, showcased strategic mobility, and contributed to testing the EU's rapid deployment capabilities.

The Defence Forces are delighted to announce a call for papers for the 2025 Defence Forces Review in partnership with DCU. Submissions are invited in the form of a 300 word abstract proposal and a brief biographical note, no longer than 200 words, by the 16 MAY 25 to dfreview@military.ie.

The Irish Contingent (IRCON) of the EU Battlegroup departed Casement Aerodrome today, 3rd April, on a Luftwaffe C130J and A400m for Hungary to participate in MILEX25. This exercise tests interoperability in planning and conducting operations across the tactical, operational and strategic level.

1 Cn Cois has deployed two (2) four (4) person teams to participate in the US hosted International Armed Forces Skill at Arms (AFSAM) competition in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, which takes place from 31 MAR - 12 APR 2025. We wish them the very best of luck. Go n-éirí leat!

Today, Colonel Gareth Prendergast PhD launches his book CLEAR HOLD BUILD - ‘How the Free State Won the Irish Civil War’. Using both his academic and military experience, Col Prendergast analyses the Irish Civil War from a new perspective, through the lens of modern counterinsurgency doctrine.

Congratulations to the 100th Cadet Class and the 12th Potential Officers Class who commissioned last Friday, the 28th of March, in the Military College, Defence Forces Training Centre.

Seyntex has been awarded the contract to replace the General Service Body Armour (pictured) with the Integrated Modular Body Armour System. IMBAS features advancements in materials, ergonomics, and scalability for improved protection, comfort, and load carrying. Deliveries expected later this year.

Check out the documentary on the 2023 International Sniper Competition here: youtu.be/0k0RpNSixss?... This annual competition pits teams from around the world against each other across a number of events such as longest shot, casualty evacuations and navigation to determine the best team that year.

International Sniper Competition 2023

YouTube video by Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces

youtu.be

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, today presented the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) with Honour to the family of the late Private Billy Kedian, who was tragically killed in action in Lebanon in the early hours of 31st May 1999.

This week, Tánaiste & Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD met with the Kellegher sisters, Lieutenant Anna Kellegher, Cadet Irene Kellegher and Cadet Isobel Kellegher. The unique occasion of 3 sisters serving together comes almost 45 years, to the day, after women first joined the Defence Forces.

Today, ahead of International Women's Day, the Defence Forces Women's Network together with the Air Corps Women's Network held an event to mark the occasion. Speakers included Maj Gen Maureen O’Brien (Retd), Nuala Moore, Author and Lucy Nugent, CEO of Children’s Health Ireland. #AccelerateAction