Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
    • Football

      Watch – Ex FVAC athlete scores cracker…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Ollie Horgan ready for ‘dogfight’ as season…

      16 hours ago

      GAA

      Donegal and Tyrone to contest 21st Buncrana…

      17 hours ago

      Golf

      McColgan’s shine at Dunfanaghy Golf Club

      21 hours ago

      Athletics

      Donegal duo selected for AAA Championships in…

      22 hours ago

      Athletics

      Focus of local distance runners’ turns to…

      23 hours ago

      Athletics

      Roisin Flanagan breaks Donegal 5k record at…

      3 days ago

      Athletics

      Results as Declan Reed and Natasha Adams…

      4 days ago

      Boxing

      Disappointment for Donegal boxers in Cadet finals

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Another victory for Brett McGinty in England

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Venue swap for Brett McGinty fight next…

      3 months ago

      Boxing

      Donegal boxers claim Ulster 9 County titles…

      3 months ago

      Football

      Watch – Ex FVAC athlete scores cracker…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Ollie Horgan ready for ‘dogfight’ as season…

      16 hours ago

      Football

      Watch: Culdaff FC celebrate 50th Anniversary with…

      3 days ago

      Football

      Michael Harris converts penalty in another shootout…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal and Tyrone to contest 21st Buncrana…

      17 hours ago

      GAA

      Sadness at passing of Glenswilly GAA stalwart…

      2 days ago

      GAA

      Termon GAA seek volunteers in redeveloping club…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Actor Matthew Broderick and family cheer on…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      McColgan’s shine at Dunfanaghy Golf Club

      21 hours ago

      Golf

      Picture Special: Play in Pink competition at…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      Pink ladies and gents raise over €3,000…

      7 days ago

      Golf

      ‘It’s going to be terrific’ – Paul…

      1 week ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Luke Witherow makes senior debut for…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Four Donegal players named in Ireland hockey…

      3 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe go down fighting

      4 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe lose out in crucial relegation…

      5 months ago

      Hurling

      Setanta’s class prevails in extra-time to win…

      2 weeks ago

      Hurling

      Lee Henderson and Jamie DeWard shine as…

      2 weeks ago

      Hurling

      Pictures: Superb MacCumhaills reach Féile na nGael…

      1 month ago

      GAA

      Match Report – Casey inspires Tyrone in…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Welchtown and Donoughmore NS win at Finn…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny girls play in front of huge…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Donegal girls feature for Ulster in provincial…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Last gasp drop goal clinches dramatic Gordon…

      4 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
Thursday 21°CFriday 26°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

  • News
  • Sport
    • Football

      Watch – Ex FVAC athlete scores cracker…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Ollie Horgan ready for ‘dogfight’ as season…

      16 hours ago

      GAA

      Donegal and Tyrone to contest 21st Buncrana…

      17 hours ago

      Golf

      McColgan’s shine at Dunfanaghy Golf Club

      21 hours ago

      Athletics

      Donegal duo selected for AAA Championships in…

      22 hours ago

      Athletics

      Focus of local distance runners’ turns to…

      23 hours ago

      Athletics

      Roisin Flanagan breaks Donegal 5k record at…

      3 days ago

      Athletics

      Results as Declan Reed and Natasha Adams…

      4 days ago

      Boxing

      Disappointment for Donegal boxers in Cadet finals

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Another victory for Brett McGinty in England

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Venue swap for Brett McGinty fight next…

      3 months ago

      Boxing

      Donegal boxers claim Ulster 9 County titles…

      3 months ago

      Football

      Watch – Ex FVAC athlete scores cracker…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Ollie Horgan ready for ‘dogfight’ as season…

      16 hours ago

      Football

      Watch: Culdaff FC celebrate 50th Anniversary with…

      3 days ago

      Football

      Michael Harris converts penalty in another shootout…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal and Tyrone to contest 21st Buncrana…

      17 hours ago

      GAA

      Sadness at passing of Glenswilly GAA stalwart…

      2 days ago

      GAA

      Termon GAA seek volunteers in redeveloping club…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Actor Matthew Broderick and family cheer on…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      McColgan’s shine at Dunfanaghy Golf Club

      21 hours ago

      Golf

      Picture Special: Play in Pink competition at…

      3 days ago

      Golf

      Pink ladies and gents raise over €3,000…

      7 days ago

      Golf

      ‘It’s going to be terrific’ – Paul…

      1 week ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Luke Witherow makes senior debut for…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Four Donegal players named in Ireland hockey…

      3 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe go down fighting

      4 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe lose out in crucial relegation…

      5 months ago

      Hurling

      Setanta’s class prevails in extra-time to win…

      2 weeks ago

      Hurling

      Lee Henderson and Jamie DeWard shine as…

      2 weeks ago

      Hurling

      Pictures: Superb MacCumhaills reach Féile na nGael…

      1 month ago

      GAA

      Match Report – Casey inspires Tyrone in…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Welchtown and Donoughmore NS win at Finn…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny girls play in front of huge…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Donegal girls feature for Ulster in provincial…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Last gasp drop goal clinches dramatic Gordon…

      4 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
Lead StoriesNews

Donegal Jadotville heroes honoured at special ceremony

written by Elaine McCallig December 2, 2017
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Jadotville heroes were honoured today at a special ceremony in Athlone, receiving medals inscribed with ‘cosaint chalma’ and ‘misneach’, meaning “valiant defence” and “courage”.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe presented An Bonn Jadotville to the men, 56 years after the Seige.

Some of the men have since passed away or are living overseas, with their family members attending the ceremony on their behalf.

Delighted to be invited to officially open Mick Mc Carth House, for Post 9, Irish United Nations Veterans Association in #Athlone. A welcoming place for veterans to meet and chat. Well done to all involved. pic.twitter.com/3zHEPcdmmk

— Paul Kehoe T.D (@campaign4kehoe) December 2, 2017

Last year, the soldiers were honored by Defence Minister Paul Kehoe, as September 2016 marks the 55th anniversary of the Seige. The Minister presented a Unit Citation to the men in recognition of their bravery and heroism. A copy of the Citation was presented to each member or next-of-kin of the Unit.

This is the first time a Unit Citation has been awarded within the Defence Forces.

An honour to award the first An Bonn Jadotville to the heroic men of A company, 35th Infantry Battalion in #Athlone. Government recognition of their brave and courageous actions at the Siege of Jadotville. pic.twitter.com/aEEuMNUeze

— Paul Kehoe T.D (@campaign4kehoe) December 2, 2017

The history behind the medal

The early 1960s was an unstable period for the region as in 1960 Katanga split off from Patrice Lumumba’s Congolese government, establishing their own under Moise Tshombe.

The Seige of Jadotville happened in 1961 during the United Nations intervention in the conflict when a group of Irish soldiers were attacked by Tshombe’s troops while at mass.

A total of 158 Irish soldiers were deployed to Central Africa, 11 of whom were from Donegal; James Gormley, Harry Hegarty, Michael McDermott, the late William George Duffy, the late James Harper, the late Patrick Gildea, Leo Boland, the late Patrick Nicell, the late Seamus O’Kane, the late Sean Kerr, and Robert Bradley.

The Irish soldiers were scantily armed, yet managed to resist the assault for six days, before being forced to surrender after ammunition and other supplies depleted.

Comdt. Pat Quinlan

Thanks to the quick-thinking of Comdt. Pat Quinlan, he made his soldiers dig trenches – keeping them out of harm’s way.

Not one of Comdt. Quinlan’s men perished.

The soldiers were held as Prisoners of War for a month, however none were harmed.

This was the last instance that Irish and Swedish troops were involved in hostile action for the United Nations Operation in the Congo.

 

Hollywood adaption

In 2016, ‘The Seige of Jadotville’ was released to rave reviews, with the title role being played by Jamie Dornan.

Laghey native Kevin Brodbin wrote the script based on the book by Declan Power, titled ‘The Siege at Jadotville: The Irish Army’s Forgotten Battle’.

Donegal Jadotville heroes honoured at special ceremony was last modified: December 5th, 2017 by Elaine McCallig
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
donegalhistorypaul kehoeseige of jadotville
Elaine McCallig

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Grieving dad Andrew McGinley wants to divorce...

26 mins ago

Hottest day of the month forecast today

38 mins ago

Rare corncrakes cheat lawnmower’s blades to be...

1 hour ago

Medical Matters: Taking more care in the...

1 hour ago

Loughs Agency issues advice for anglers during...

2 hours ago

Four Donegal teachers to travel to Italy...

2 hours ago

Boat saved from washing onto rocks by...

12 hours ago

Music, tractors and bingo in store for...

13 hours ago

Impressive 2021 SEAT Tarraco is DMG’s ‘Car...

14 hours ago

Lifford Church to celebrate 400 year anniversary

15 hours ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

MOST POPULAR

Donegal County Council
Advertisement

Sport Hub

  • Stay up to date with Donegal Sport Hub on Facebook

    7 months ago
  • Donegal links rank in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

    8 months ago
  • Bundoran 10 Event set for March 2022

    8 months ago
See More

Donegal Woman

  • Geraldine Mullan unveils labour of love for beloved husband and children

    13 hours ago
  • Grease star Olivia Newton-John dies aged 73

    2 days ago
  • A new Donegal gem is crafted at Crolly Distillery

    2 days ago
See More

Columnists

Medical Matters - Scally McDaid Roarty

Medical Matters: Taking more care in the sun

7 hours ago

Motoring - Brian McDaid

DD Motoring: Where are all our electric charging points gone?

1 day ago

Group Holidays - Travel Department

Travel: 12 things you probably didn’t know about Italy

5 days ago

Healthy Living - Sorcha McElchar

Eight ways to reduce food wastage and save money – Sorchas Healthy Living

1 month ago

At Home with Hegarty's - Hegarty's Home Interiors

At Home with Hegarty’s: Enjoy easy seating with lift and rise chairs

1 month ago

See All Columnists
Advertisement
Donegal Daily Jobs

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Sales & Services
  • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Council News

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Our Sites

Donegal Woman
Donegal Woman
Donegal Daily

© 2022 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
Website by owenod


Back To Top.