Memory of the Niemba victims returning

Tony Roe
Interviewed for MAOHP - 08/09/2017
Reference Code: IE_MA_MAC_006_MAOHP_015_E
Location(s): Congo
Length: 0.37

In this piece of audio taken from an interview on 8th September 2016, Commandant Anthony (Tony) Roe offers a brief memory of the return of the Niemba Ambush casualties in November 1960 and recalls Eamon de Valera coming to the camp to see the bodies. He notes how de Valera was almost blind at this point and recalls him walking into a wall when leaving the ceremony. The Niemba Ambush occurred on 8 November 1960 when an Irish Army platoon was ambushed in the Congo by Baluba tribesmen. Nine Irish soldiers were killed in the ambush which was the first time the Irish Army was involved in a battle on foreign soil. The army were in the Congo on a peacekeeping mission, as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). The nine Irish soldiers who died at Niemba were as follows: Lt. Kevin Gleeson of Carlow, Sgt. Hugh Gaynor of Leixlip, Cpl. Peter Kelly of Templeogue, Cpl. Liam Dougan of Cabra, Pt. Matthew Farrell of Jamestown, Dublin, Tpr. Thomas Fennell of Donnycarney, Tpr. Anthony Browne of Rialto, Pte. Michael McGuinn of Carlow, and Pte. Gerard Killeen of Rathmines. Some 25 Baluba tribesmen were also killed.

Tragedy for Defence Forces

Jerry Carroll
Interviewed for MAOHP - 20/09/2016
Location(s): Galway Mayo Border

Length: 2.12

In this clip, Father Jerry Carroll, the Chaplain to the Air Corps, discusses his role as Air Corps Chaplain and outlines some of the memories and emotions associated with this work including funerals, weddings etc. He recalls that 'the saddest funeral' he ever officiated was after the deaths of Captain...

Easter Rising Centenary Celebrations – 2016

Geraldine Browne
Interviewed for MAOHP - 28/09/2016
Location(s): General Post Office

Length: 2.50

In this clip, Regimental Sergeant Major Geraldine Browne outlines her role in the organisation of the Centenary Celebrations for the Easter Rising of 1916 in relation to the flight elements of the commemorations. She recalls being on the roof of the GPO during the celebrations. While this was connected to...