The exclusion of soldiers, sailors and Air Corps personnel who gave great service to the country but were excluded from receiving 1916 medals was criticised in the Dáil by Noel Grealish last week.
Some members of the Defence Forces had only served for a matter of weeks when these medals were awarded whereas retired members who had given over 40 years of service at home and abroad were not awarded a medal, according to the Galway Independent Deputy.
BY TIM RYAN
“I ask the Minister of State (Paul Kehoe) to look at that matter again,” he said.
Deputy Grealish said he was in attendance at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa when the Minister of State gave serving members the special medals which had previously been awarded to those who had taken part in the Rising.
However, what should have been a joyous celebration left a sour taste in the mouths of former and retired members of the Defence Forces who were not included.
“It would surely cost the Government comparatively little to right this wrong now, and in doing so acknowledge the valuable contribution to the security of the country made by those not currently serving. It would mean a lot to them,” he said.
Speaking during a debate on the Defence Forces, he said two members of his family had served in the military in Galway, as well as two members who also served in the city in the FCA many years ago.
“I am proud to say I am a great friend of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Renmore, which the Minister of State has visited a few times,” he said.
“I call there regularly and it is great to see a number of the soldiers from the barracks serving currently in the Golan Heights.
“Members of the Defence Forces are serving on many duties abroad and I note in particular the Naval Service which has saved many lives in the Mediterranean,” he added.
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