Defence Forces Veterans’ Day – McKee Barracks – 28 September 2025
The 12th Defence Forces Veterans’ Day was held in McKee Barracks, Dublin, on Sunday 28 September 2025.
Veterans’ Day pays tribute to those personnel who served in the Defence Forces, and commemorates those Irish soldiers who lost their lives serving the State, or on military service with the United Nations, and other International Organisations in the service of peace.
The Military Ceremony was conducted in the presence of the An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Harris TD, the Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Rossa Mulcahy, the Secretary-General of the Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum, Defence Attachés, serving and retried personnel of the Defence Forces, Representative Associations, Veterans Associations, and families.
The ceremony commenced at 1100hrs with the Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Rossa Mulcahy, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Brigade Brigadier-General Steve Ryan formally welcoming An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence on his arrival in McKee Barracks.
Minister Simon Harris received the General Salute rendered by the Army Number 1 Band under the baton of Captain John Carpenter. Elements from the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, with their Regimental Colours, presented arms.
Thereafter, the Parade Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel James O’Shea, 28 Infantry Battalion ordered marching elements representing Veterans Associations on Parade: ONE, IUNVA and Unit Associations. The 2 Field Artillery Regiment Association paraded as one of the many Unit Associations. The Parade was then inspected by An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence.
Following an address by An Tánaiste, an Honour Guard drawn from the 28 Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, under the command of Lieutenant Tallon Took Post. The Head Chaplain, Fr Paschal Hanrahan offered Prayers. Wreaths were laid by An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, Major-General Kiernan Brennan (IUNVA), Major-General Maureen O’Brien DSM (ARCO), Michael Kinehan (ONET) and Gerry Brennan (REMA).
Following the Wreath Laying Ceremony, a period of one minute’s silence was observed, and a Pipers’ Lament was played.
Military honours were rendered by the Honour Guard, with instrumentalists from the Army No I Band sounding the Last Post and Reveille. The ceremony concluded with the playing of The National Anthem.
After the ceremony, participants and attendees enjoyed a Reception in the Dining Complex.
Addressing those attending the Parade, An Tánaiste said:
“Now in its 12th year, Veterans’ Day marks a sacred moment for us, as a nation, to honour those who have worn the uniform of Óglaigh na hÉireann with such pride and distinction”.
“Veterans’ Day is an opportunity too for us to reflect on the extraordinary courage, contributions, and indeed sacrifices, that our Defence Forces personnel have made both at home and in conflict zones around the world.”
“I want to pay tribute to the important role that each of you have played during your career at home and overseas. Your dedication and service have contributed in no small measure to the excellent reputation that Ireland and the Defence Forces enjoy. I thank you for your commitment”.
On Veteran’s Day, the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said:
“Óglaigh na Éireann sees veterans as a central part of our military community. They are the embodiment of the Defence Forces Values and represent the strength of the camaraderie and friendships developed through military service. I would like to thank our Veterans for their service and careers and their continued contributions to the Defence Forces’ Family.”
The Tánaiste also emphasised the importance of family support, saying:
“I want to welcome, acknowledge and thank in particular your family members and your loved ones for the essential role they have played in supporting you during your service and for the inevitable sacrifices that this has involved”.
The Tánaiste further added:
“The Government is committed to supporting veterans for the contribution and service they have made to the State. We will follow through on our commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 to establish an Office of Veterans’ Affairs. My officials are working very hard on this with the appropriate consultations ongoing and I intend to bring a memo to Cabinet on its establishment next month.”
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