February 28th 2024 saw the passing of Tadhg Quinn, a Defence Forces veteran and Siege of Jadotville hero.
Tadhg lived at Purt Yard, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick he passed away peacefully at home, following a brief illness, and in the care of his loving wife and family.
By John Wade
Tadgh served in An Céad Cathlán Coisithe, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Cathair na Gaillimhe, this was an Irish-speaking battalion.
As a UN peacekeeper, he completed two tours of duty in the Congo and one tour of duty in Cyprus.
As a Corporal, he served with A Company 35th Infantry Battalion from June to December 1961 and he fought at the Siege of Jadotville in September 1961.
The funeral cortège departed Tadhg’s home on Saturday, 2nd March en route to The Church of The Assumption, Abbeyfeale for Requiem Mass.
Draped with the National Flag
Tadgh’s casket was draped with the National Flag upon which was placed his UN beret and United Nations Flag. Upon arrival at the c
hurch the piper, Ger Baynam from Castlemaine, played Amazing Grace and other airs.
The coffin, borne by family members, passed through a Guard of Honour formed up by members of United Nations veterans associations from Galway, Limerick, Mullingar and Kerry, a member from from the Organisation of National Ex-servicemen and Women (O.N.E.) and a contingent of the Defence Forces from 12th Infantry Battalion, from Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick.
Veterans and Mourners
In the Guard of Honour, were two Jadotville Heroes, Sean Carroll and Tom Gunn who had fought alongside Tadhg and their comrades. Other veterans mingled with the large number of mourners in the congregation.
At the doors of the church, Canon Tony Mullins officiated and was joined by three other priests for the Requiem Mass, which was attended by a huge number of neighbours and friends, a testament to the high esteem in which Tadhg, and the Quinn family is held.
From the altar, family members reflected on Tadhg’s life and they were joined by retired Commandant, Leo Quinlan.
UN Fag, Shrapnel Holes Visible
Leo is the son of the then Commandant Pat Quinlan who was Tadgh’s Company Commander in theCongo and responsible for forming one of the greatest military defensive actions during the siege of Jadotville. His defence of Jadotville is taught in military academies throughout the world.
On one corner of the altar, stood the actual UN flag, shrapnel holes visible, which flew over the Irish UN position in Jadotville.
Leo reflected on the courage and gallantry of the men in A Company and in particular Tadhg’s bravery.
When called upon, by Cmdt. Quinlan, to bring mortar fire to bear on an enemy convoy to prevent it from advancing, Tadhg left his safe position and went to an exposed position on an ant hill, and he was in view of enemy machine gun positions.
Halted Enemy Advance
From his position, Tadhg judged the distance – 880 yards – and speed of the convoy. He gave his mortar crew the fire order and when they fired the first round it hit the lead vehicle effectively stopping the advance of the enemy convoy.
Tadhg was recommended for the Military Medal for Gallantry, but like many others in the unit who fought for five days and nights, and who were recommended for medals, no medals for bravery were ever awarded. They received a Unit Citation and a commissioned medal – An Bonn Jadotville.
His second tour of UN duty was back in the Congo with Headquarter Company 39t Infantry Battalion from April to October 1963.
He served with the first Defence Forces unit in Cyprus, A Coy 40th Infantry Battalion, from April to October 1964.
Irish United Nations Veterans Association
As a veteran, Tadhg joined Post 2 of the Irish United Nations Veterans’ Association based in Castleisland. He attended as many meeting as possible and in April 2023, along with three other Congo Veterans, Post 2s Chairman Con ‘Rocky’ Roche from Castleisland, on behalf of their Post 2 comrades made presentations to the four Congo veterans.
Following the lovely church service, during which was heard prayers and reflections in English and Irish, the cortège proceeded to St. Mary’s Cemetery for interment.
At the cemetery gates three comrades from Tadhg’s IUNVA Post 2 ceremoniously removed the National Colours and Post 2 Chairman presented Tadhg’s wife, Kathleen, with the flag.
The casket was borne, by family members, to Tadhg’s final resting place, lead by a member of Post 2 carrying the UN flag from Jadotville and followed by the piper who piped the mourners to the graveside.
Heroes of Jadotville
When prayers were said, as a lament, the piper played ‘Heroes of Jadotville’ a composition he had penned a few years ago.
The UN veterans Guard of Honour and O.N.E. members including Jim Halpin, Listowel; Donie King, Castleisland and Jimmy Murphy, Brosna were then called to the position of attention and they saluted their comrade whilst the Last Post and Reveille were played. The piper then played Amhrán na bhFiann and the ceremony was concluded.
The family courteously invited all back for refreshments in The Devon Inn Hotel where, after Tadhg’s memory was traditionally honoured by the veterans, many more tales were retold by them.
Rest in Peace Tadhg and Rise with Honour comrade.
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