25th Anniversary – MHIT Establishment – September 2025
The Military Heritage of Ireland Trust CLG promotes the widest understanding and appreciation of Ireland’s distinctive and shared military heritage.
In the context of the Good Friday Agreement, the dedication of the Peace Park in Messines, and on the initiative of President Mary McAleese, the Trust was established in 1999, with its inaugural meeting held on 27 August 1999 in the Defence Forces Headquarters Officers’ Mess.
President McAleese, as the founder Patron, saw the Trust, as a North – South institution, which would attempt to add an impetus, towards the reconciliation of the different traditions on the Island, using shared military heritage as the conduit.
Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Trust’s first Annual General Meeting, Brigadier-General Paul Fry (Retd), Chairperson hosted a Lunch for the Board of Directors and invited guests, in the Defence Forces Officers’ Mess on Tuesday 09 September 2025.
To view Brigadier-General Fry’s speech on this occasion, please click: Brig Gen Paul Fry (Retd) 25th Anniversary Lunch (09 Sep 25): Brig Gen Paul Fry (Retd) 25th Anniversary Lunch (09 Sep 25) (2))
Photographs courtesy of Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Halligan (Retd).
Acknowledging that the shared military heritage is valued by the different political and religious traditions on the island, the Military Heritage of Ireland Trust CLG, as a voluntary and non-profit organisation, advances an all-Ireland, cross border, non-denominational and non-political approach to military heritage and the story of the Irish Soldier.
In this context, the Trust focuses on the diversity of Irish military heritage, honouring Irish men and women, from all parts of Ireland, who served worldwide in armed forces, irrespective of the Theatre of Operations, National Colour or Regimental Colour.
The Trust is mindful of the need to honour and respect the selfless service, courage and loyalty of Irish men and women, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice, and all of whom made a significant contribution to the island’s military heritage.
No single tradition, narrative or perspective, is diminished by honouring and remembering the extraordinary self-sacrifice and courage of so many Irish Soldiers.
Irish military heritage is reflected not only in Ireland, but in the military history of a significant number of countries worldwide.
End
