Ex-Service Veterans Honour Deceased Shipmates

Ex-Service Veterans gathered in large numbers at the Naval Base, Haulbowline for a commemoration ceremony on Sunday 7th. July 2013 for the purpose of honouring deceased shipmates. The occasion was the Commander George Crosbie Branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel ( O.N.E. ) ‘ Lá na bhFiann ’ ( Warriors Day ) . This is the day when traditionally former comrades, now deceased , are remembered and honoured.

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service, Commodore Mark Mellett DSM. In his address welcomed everyone to the Naval Base and expressed a wish that their visit would be a very enjoyable one. He praised the O.N.E., Especially the organisation’s work  for the benefit of those ex-service personnel encountering hardship.

President of the Southern Area Council of O.N.E., Stephen Dennehy, in his address, thanked the Commander George Crosbie Branch for their invitation, and the Naval Service for the use of its wonderful facilities at the Naval Base.

First a prayer and wreath laying ceremony took place at the O.N.E. monument in  the Naval Base. Wreaths were laid by the following;  On behalf of the Naval Service,Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service, Commodore Mark Mellett DSM; on behalf of the Commander George Crosbie Branch; President , Derek Dawson;  on behalf of the Irish Naval Association, President, Declan Pendred; On behalf of the Royal Naval  Association, Peter Gheenan; On behalf of the Cobh Branch of O.N.E., Director, Peter Byrne; John Ó Callaghan laid a wreath in remembrance of his father Michael, who served for many years as a Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Service. Then followed ‘ Last Post ’ and ‘ Reveille ’ sounded by Bugler John Crowley of the Cobh Confraternity Band, this was followed by the playing of the National Anthem by the Carrigaline Pipe Band.
Naval and Ex-Service Personnel, led by a ‘Colour Party’ and  Carrigaline Pipe Band, then marched to the Naval Base Garrison Church, where Mass was offered for deceased members of the Commander George Crosbie Branch, by Rev .Fr. Des Campion SDB  CF.

O.N.E. Personnel and guests the enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Naval Dining Complex. This was later followed by the traditional ceol agus craic at the Base N.C.Os’ Mess.
Among the invited guests was Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Lorraine Kingston.

Many O.N.E. branches from the Province of Munster together with Irish Naval Association. branches from Dublin, Limerick and Waterford. Members of the Royal Naval Association Cork and County and members of the Civil Defence were in attendance. An Garda Síochána was represented by Sergeant Denis Mc Carthy.O.N.E. Directors Joe Ó Mahony, Peter Byrne and Domhnall Mac Cárthaigh were also present.
Parade Marshal for the day was John Ó Mahony from the Commander George Crosbie Branch and m.c. was Domhnall Mac Carthaigh.

Domhnall Mac Cárthaigh FS.