Local military men honoured

Two Mullingar military men were honoured at the inaugural Defence Forces Values Champions award ceremony held recently in the Curragh.

Regimental Sergeant Major Noel O’Callaghan, who recently retired after 43 years of service to his country, received the overall Defence Forces Champions Award.

In a statement released to the Westmeath Examiner, the Defence Forces outlined why the well known Non-Commissioned Officer was a worthy winner.

“Throughout his long career he has consistently demonstrated and epitomised the Defence Forces values.

“He has displayed commitment and loyalty to his unit and never shirked his responsibilities.”

Regt Sgt Major O’Callaghan, who has spent the first few months of his retirement campaigning for the reinstatement of pay cuts made during the recession for his former comrades, said that he was “honoured” to have received the award. He also joked that “after 43 years I didn’t realise they were listening”.

“I am privileged to be part of the group [that won awards],” he said.

“It’s fairly humbling when you look at what they’ve done. In fairness, when I’ve been pushing for stuff it’s always been for our lads.

“At the moment I am lobbying for pay restoration. I may have left the Defence Forces but the Defence Forces haven’t left me.”

The other local soldier to be honoured at the awards was Sergeant Richard Muldarry, who won the Award for Moral Courage.

Sgt Muldarry received the award in recognition of his work with the Defence Forces LGBTA ‘Defend with Pride’ network.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sgt Muldarry said: “I’m so proud to have won this award, particularly, for my work on a cause that I’m so passionate about.
“I must say my moral courage was enabled by the progressiveness of the Defence Forces leadership.”

The awards were presented by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, and Captain Noel Carey, a veteran of the ‘Siege of Jadotville.