All ex Forsa Cosanta Áitiuil (FCA) and Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) members have been called to arms – the Listowel Arms – that is.
For the past six years, Listowel has held a military festival and 2016 saw the introduction of the first 15th Battalion FCA/PDF and 32nd RDF Reunion.
This year’s reunion will take place in Listowel on Saturday, April 29th.
The FCA was disbanded in 2005 and the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) was formed. Those involved may recall the FCA Hall in Killarney was sold off as were all the others except Ballymullen Army Barracks in Tralee.
All Ex Mmembers
At last year’s reunion it was decided that the word would be put out and a calls were made for all ex members of the FCA/RDF to come to Listowel for the 2017 event.
“We’re calling on all former FCA / RDF members to come to Listowel for the military weekend and march with the other veterans on the Saturday.,” said organiser and former member, Jim Halpin.
“After the march we go to St Mary’s Church for a remembrance mass and then onto the Listowel Arms Hotel for the reunion. Our part of the Listowel Military Festival is solely the reunion and remembrance
Scartaglin Native, UN Soldier
“Also last year we invited Scartaglin native, John O’Mahony ex United Nations veteran who was badly wounded while his to comrades Privates Barrett and Smallhorn were killed by Lebanese militia.
“We had about 100 in total for the event. This year is a whole new ball game and we have invited Leo Quinlan son of Comd. Patrick Quinlan of the Siege of Jadotville and the Congo Veterans attending this year’s event.
Donations Bucket
“The reunion this year is costing €1,500 and the Listowel Municipal Council made a donation of €200. To make up the shortfall we will be charging €5 to see the film on the Friday night and a donation bucket will be available on the Saturday night.
The programme of events for the reunion is as follows:
A cheese and wine reception on Friday evening the 28th April at 19.15hrs, in the Seanchai Centre the Square Listowel.
The showing of the film the Siege of Jadotville at 2000hrs the same evening organised by the 15th/32nd Reunion and to meet and greet Comd. Leo Quinlan former O/C of the 15th Battalion stationed in Tralee. Leo’s father was the O/C of the Irish Troops involved in the Siege of Jadotville.
Remembrance Parade
The Remembrance Parade on Saturday, April 29th. at 1600hrs.
The Remembrance Mass in St. Mary’s Church the Square Listowel at 1815hrs. The official launch of the 15th/32nd Second Reunion at 1930hrs again in the Seanchai and the talk by Comd. Leo Quinlan at 2015hrs directly after the Reunion.
Some of the Congo Veterans will attend the ceremonies and on the Saturday evening there will be refreshments with some finger food available.
Contact Jim Halpin
For further information you’re advised to contact Jim Halpin on: 087 2617897 or by Email to jhss@eircom.net Facebook the 15th battalion reunion
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