Three members of the 28th Infantry Battalion in Donegal have been honoured with Values Awards for exemplifying the values and standards of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
Creeslough brothers Private Sean Martin and Private Neil Martin received the integrity award for their actions following the tragic death of her mother Martina in the Creeslough explosion of October 2022.
Barry Foley received a meritorious promotion to Cpl. as the overall Defence Forces Values Champion.
President of the European Court of Human Rights, Ms Justice Síofra O Leary presented the awards yesterday at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel.
This is the 6th iteration of the Awards, whose recipients are Defence Forces personnel who have best displayed Selflessness, Loyalty, Integrity, Moral Courage, Physical Courage and Respect.
Private Sean Martin & Private Neil Martin (DONEGAL)
Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, speaking about the Integrity award for the Martin brothers, said it “recognises the integrity shown by both of you through your actions in your family, community and Unit in the aftermath of the tragic passing of your Mam Martina, at Creeslough.”
“Nominated by Sgt Liam Russell, you are both credited with showing many of our values consistently since your Mother’s death and amid the depths of this grief you honoured your mother at her funeral with dignity, respect and composure.
“The integrity shown by you both since you returned to work in Finner Camp has not gone un-noticed and you continue to show outstanding courage and dedication to service. On a daily basis you have demonstrated professionalism and commitment when conducting your duties, exercises and training for the Defence Forces.”
OVERALL DF VLAUES CHAMPION
Cpl Barry Foley
Cpl Barry Foley was honoured for his 38 years of service, during which he consistently displays the values of Oglaigh na hEireann and is a respected figure in the Unit, regardless of rank.
Cpl Foley is known for his mentorship and guidance to personnel of the Battalion at Finner Camp, providing sound actionable advice that has been developed through his many years of experience.
He is widely recognized as a torch bearer of the shared culture of the 28th Inf Bn.
In addition to his wider duties, Cpl Foley serves as the leader of the Environmental team, managing over 300 acres of land in a manner that ensures the Finner Camp is maintained to its best all year round.
“As IC of the Environmental Section, he has accepted the responsibility and taken on a leadership capacity managing and directing a small number of his peers in their daily tasks,” said Battalion Sergeant Major Patrick Enfield.
OVERALL DF VLAUES CHAMPION Cpl Barry Foley
Cpl Foley’s contributions to the 28th Inf Bn have not gone unnoticed.
According to Comdt Brendan McGovern, “Men of Barry’s quality are few and far between but he is a torch bearer who by his example, passes on the positive aspects of our shared culture to the next generation.”
CS Kieran Crawford also praises Cpl Foley, saying “Barry is a soldier of the old school who puts the job first, is loyal to his colleagues, his Unit and the DF. He lives the values he is nominated for.”
