ONE hold annual Flag Day collection today

Mullingar Branch ONE notes

ONE annual Flag Day collection

On Friday May 3, Mullingar ONE hold the annual Flag Day collection around the streets of Mullingar. Funds raised through the collection go towards the work of ONE supporting ex-service personnel who have fallen on hard times and need the help. The people of Mullingar have always been generous in their support for ONE’s work. The collection will be at locations around the centre of Mullingar all day on May 3.

The Mullingar Branch of the ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel of Ireland) took part in the Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. ONE members provided the colour party for the parade, and the former chairman Tom Gunn, carried the National Standard.

Colleagues from the Irish United Nations Veterans (IUNVA) Post 20 marched with ONE. Mullingar ONE Branch chairman, Tony Jessop, was on the parade reviewing stand at the invitation of the parade committee. The parade was watched by large crowds and Mullingar ONE were delighted to take part and to provide the colour party.

Members of Mullingar ONE attended the funeral Mass for UN veteran Mr Des Kennedy on April 8. Des served with Irish UN forces in the Congo and Cyprus and was stationed in Columb Barracks during his military career. He was a member of the 38th Battalion, Heavy Mortar Troop, who fought with great distinction in the Congo between October 1962 and April 1963.

Mullingar ONE wish to extend the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the oldest member, Sean Elliffe, who turned 90 in April. Sean is one of the most active members of the branch and a former president and branch person of the year.