THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of ÓGLAIGH NÁISIÚNTA NA Héireann Nobody Volunteers to Become a Homeless Veteran by Colm Campbell, Chairperson Board of Directors ONE

Issue 57 WINTER 2019 ONEConnect THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ÓGLAIGH NÁISIÚNTA NA hÉIREANN Nobody Volunteers to Become a Homeless Veteran By Colm Campbell, Chairperson Board of Directors ONE

Support: Pictured in 2018 at the opening of a new Veteran Support Centre (VSC) in the Curragh Camp is GOC DFTC Brig Gen Joe Mulligan (now retired), ONE’s National President Tom James, Chairman Brig Gen Colm Campbell Ret’d, CEO Ollie O’Connor along with members of St Conleth’s Branch ONE and other veterans associations.

The role of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann / Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) can be summarised in four words: support, comradeship, advocacy, remembrance. Examining these words will help in understanding how ONE derives its aims of funding hostels for homeless veterans; putting in place preventative measures to avert homelessness; and providing other support services for Defence Forces’ veterans. Support: Support takes many forms, ranging from a warm greeting to a former comrade to a bed for a homeless veteran, and everything in between. With 35 branches and three area councils, ONE is well positioned to provide this support. We currently have hostels for homeless veterans in Athlone, Dublin and Letterkenny, and we are in the process of developing a small hostel and veteran support centre (VSC) in Cobh. We are also developing 15 VSCs nationwide with the support of the Department of Defence and the Defence Comradeship: Pictured at the 2016 Veterans’ Day parade in McKee Bks are L/R: ONE member Forces. Patrick Flavin, St Conleth’s Branch (Newbridge), IUNVA member Tony Grant, Post 24 (Clonmel) Continued on page 4 and Vice President of ARCO Col George Kerton (retd). 2

Around the Branches Editorial

Ollie O’Connor

2019 was a year of planned progression for ONE. The year began with the multi award winning ‘Sleeping Flags’ awareness campaign. This campaign was very successful in highlighting the work carried out by ONE both to the general public and to current and former members of the Defence Forces . The campaign has won a number of international awards in the public relations field. More importantly, seventeen homeless veterans came forward and made themselves known to our hostel management team. The year has witnessed significant growth in the number of Veterans’ Support Centres (VSCs). By the end of 2019 we will have eleven VSCs in operation, staffed by volunteer members, 50th Reunion of UNFICYP No 2 Pl, A and located in: Athlone; Athy; Casement Aerodrome; Cavan; Coy, 12 Inf Gp Curragh Camp; Dundalk; Finner Camp (Dec 2019); Galway; Pictured (above) are the 33 members of No 2 Pl, A Coy, 12 Inf Gp, Kilkenny; Limerick; McKee Bks; and a temporary facility UNFICYP, in Cyprus in 1969. On the 4th October 2019 10 members of the in Collins Barracks Cork. Work is underway to establish platoon met to celebrate the 50th Anniversary reunion of the platoon further Veteran Support Centres in: Collins Barracks and in Ceannt NCOs Mess, Curragh Camp. A number of platoon members Cobh (Cork); Cathal Brugha Barracks (Dublin); and Wexford. have sadly passed away, or were non-contactable or unable to attend, Of the fifteen Veteran Support Centres, eleven are / will but were remembered on the day. BQMS Michael Stynes DFTC was be located within a Defence Forces’ installation, with four representing his father Michael ‘Hiker’ Stynes who had recently passed located outside – Athy, Cavan, Cobh and Limerick. away. Pictured (below): Front row L/R: John Sheils, Paddy Donnelly (Pl In partnership with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive Sgt), Mick Kavanagh (Pl Offr), Tony McGrath and Joe Flanagan. Back (DRHE), the number of bedrooms for homeless veterans will row L/R: Mick McMahon, Willie Lawlor (Cpl), Tony Philips, Mick Carroll be increased from 30 to 35 in Brú na bhFiann and we are (St. Conleths Branch and Past President ONE), Paddy Flood and BQMS also providing rooms for a counselling service. The number Michael Stynes. of rooms provided is subject to the terms of a Service Level Agreement between ONE and DRHE and is not an arbitrary figure. The proposal to increase the number of rooms was made by ONE in December 2018 and it is expected to be in place from January 2020. An Ante Room (Day Room) in Brú na bhFiann for residents is also being developed. The facilities in Beechwood House and Custume House continue to be developed with great assistance from the Defence Forces, local authorities and community volunteers. The establishment of a hostel in Cobh with 5 en-suite bedrooms, in tandem with the Veterans’ Support Centre, has moved considerably forward in the past month. ONE is now in possession of a draft lease from the OPW which will be signed in due course. An architect has been engaged and draft plans have been drawn up. Refurbishment is expected to commence in March 2020 with a six month build. In partnership with the HSE, ONE will put in place a full- time counselling service in Brú na bhFiann for veterans commencing in January 2020. The recruitment process is well underway, with the new appointment called a Veterans’ Fr. James Gilmore Branch Support Officer. Sixty-three (63) veterans were trained as This photo (below) is from Fr. James Gilmore Fuchsia Collection at JC’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in 2019 and are operating Supermarket in Swords Co Dublin. This is the last collection in JC’s as it throughout the country. These courses were open to was a family Supermarket and it has been taken over by Dunne’s Stores. veterans from any organisation. The next course is for Branch The branch hope to continue its association with the venue. Welfare Officers from those who have already completed the MHFA Course. The Funding for these training courses was received from the Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust (LPHT). The LPHT has agreed to continue to fund education and training in this area in 2020 and to provide a grant towards the development of the Cobh Hostel. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Royal Hospital Donnybrook to create a pathway for veterans who need long term care or respite. A meeting with Leopardstown Park Hospital was held on 26 Nov 2019 and an MOU will follow. The new year will bring further goals to be achieved. In addition to the education and training programmes and development of veterans facilities, 2020 will be a year when ONE will seek to grow its membership and develop a sustainable network of branches throughout the country. ONE will also examine the provision of further hostel facilities in the Munster area in partnership with local authorities On behalf of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann I wish to thank all our branches, members, volunteers, and staff and wish you and our residents a very Happy Christmas and a New Year that brings to you all you wish. 3 Thomas Ashe Branch

The Thomas Ashe Branch Annual Mass took place on the 3rd November and it was supported by branches from the Southern Area Council (SAC) including the SAC President Diarmuid Higgins.

O’Neill Branch Cavan O’Neill Branch Cavan accompanied by ONE CEO Ollie O’Connor recently paid a visit ot Omagh Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) at their St Lucia Barracks HQ. The Veterans toured the RAFAC HQ, meeting Cadets and taking part in Flight Simulator training. The guests explained the role of their organisation and talked about their military service. Gifts were then presented, with RAFAC receiving an O N E shield and the Veterans receiving an RAF Officers beret and a print of a Victor Bomber aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Graham Dodds, Officer Commanding Omagh RAFAC arranged the special visit and commented “It was an honour to welcome the members Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann to St Lucia Barracks. They are a vital organisation in supporting Veterans across the Republic of Ireland and our guests are a fine example of service and dedication to our Cadets”

Cobh BRANCH

The Cobh Branch recently took part in the planting of a cedar of Lebanon tree at the Bible garden at the Benedictine convent, Cobh in memory of the 47 members of the Defence Forces who gave their lives in the cause of Peace whilst serving with the United Nations in the Lebanon.

Drogheda and Slane Branch The Drogheda and Slane Branch held its Annual Remembrance Mass in St. Patricks Church, Slane on Sunday, 3rd September. The attendance included Mairead McGuinness, MEP Vice President of the European Parliament, Cllr Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach Meath County Council, Cllr Paul Bell, Mayor of Drogheda, Colm Campbell Chairperson ONE, Ollie O’Connor CEO ONE, Mark Keane President PDFORRA and Donogh Maguire Vice President ONE.

Mayo Branch Mayo Branch remembered those members who have gone to their eternal rest. The Mass was held in the church of Our Lady of The Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Branch members made a Ceremonial Mass Bell, which was blessed and used at this Mass for the first time. The bell was rung in remembrance of ONE deceased members, deceased Mayo members of IUNVA, deceased Mayo members of the Defence Forces who gave their lives in the cause of peace while serving with the UN, all Mayo persons who lost their lives in past wars, and once also for the deceased Mayo people with whom the Mass was shared, as their Anniversary occured at that time. 4

Continued from page 1 year in our hostels and approximately 900 homeless veterans have availed of our services to date, with the majority of these moving Nobody Volunteers on to permanent housing. These people are to Become a fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, who volunteered to serve their Homeless Veteran country. Nobody volunteers to become a homeless veteran. VSCs, which can be described as a cross Comradeship: We use the term ‘comradeship’ between advice centres and men’s/women’s deliberately because it evokes a sense of sheds, and are now located in Athlone; shared experience, a shared culture, a shared There can be a tendency to blame the victim Athy; Casement Aerodrome; Cavan; Curragh set of values, and a willingness to serve. when things go wrong or to say that caring Camp; Dundalk; Finner Camp (Dec 2019); Being part of a veterans association (I include for veterans is the responsibility of other Galway; Kilkenny; Limerick; McKee Bks; and all associations) helps preserve a sense of agencies. However, when a former soldier, a temporary facility in Collins Barracks Cork. Work is underway to establish further Veteran identity and a sense of belonging. It should sailor, or airman or women is involved, we Support Centres in: Collins Barracks and also evoke a sense of shared responsibility believe that it is our responsibility to help. Cobh (Cork); Cathal Brugha Barracks (Dublin); for those less fortunate than us. The Defence This spirit of comradeship is exemplified in and Wexford. Of the fifteen Veteran Support family, like any true community, is not just an the outstanding support received from the Centres, eleven are / will be located within a organisation; rather it is an organism made up Defence Forces, other veterans associations, Defence Forces’ installation, with four located of smaller parts working together. Homeless and individual serving and retired members outside – Athy, Cavan, Cobh and Limerick. veterans are part of that family and they of the DF. The Swanbatt Gala Ball and We provide over 16,000 bed nights every cannot be left behind. the Gala Concert organised by 6 Inf Bn in Athlone are recent examples of that support. Units of the Defence Forces and students on courses routinely fundraise on behalf of their less fortunate comrades and ONE also acknowledges the voluntary contributions made by serving personnel and veterans, and the donations received from other associations and groups. Advocacy: ONE unashamedly advocates in support of veterans, particularly on behalf of those who are less fortunate. The majority of veterans, irrespective of length of service, are very successful in new careers or happy in retirement. However, there are quite a number who need help from time to time. There is a dual challenge in providing this help: ignorance of the issue and ignoring the issue. Both of these have to be addressed. Advocacy: Sleeping Flags Campaign: Pictured on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM on the 11th The Sleeping Flags Awareness Campaign, February 2019 is Richard Dillon House Manager of Brú na bhFiann accompanied by Tony launched in February of this year, was aimed Stafford a former resident in Brú na bhFiann advocating on ONE’s behalf to raise public at those who were ignorant of the plight of awareness in aid of homeless Defence Forces veterans it supports, also pictured is the some our veterans and we are also working specially created Tricolour sleeping bags that where situated on the streets of Dublin with very hard on ensuring that those who now veterans in them. know about it don’t just ignore it. Advocacy

Remembrance: Pictured at this year’s Veterans Day parade in Collins Barracks is the new ONE National President Jim Fay, laying a wreath in memory of those Defence Forces members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service to the State, along with representatives from veterans associations IUNVA and ARCO. 5 2019 Christmas Message to members of O.N.E. Paul Kehoe, T.D. Minister with Responsibility for Defence

It gives me great pleasure to send Christmas establish additional Veteran Support Centres available to the two organisations in 2020. I greetings to all members of O.N.E. and your around the country. was delighted to meet with your CEO Ollie loved ones, both on my own behalf and on O’Connor last month to formally announce I look forward to working with O.N.E. in your behalf of all my colleagues in Government. the funding. efforts to establish more centres in the future. As 2019 draws to a close, it is an ideal I am always impressed by the commitment This year I was delighted to meet members opportunity for me to recognise and thank and professionalism of your staff in carrying of O.N.E. at the Veterans’ Day, other all the members of O.N.E. for your loyal out their responsibilities. remembrance events and the launch of the service to both the State and to the cause of Annual Fuchsia Fundraising campaign. The As Minister, I am at all times mindful of the international peacekeeping. Your dedication funds raised through the Fuchsia Appeal responsibility of our Government to support and service has contributed in no small make a very real difference to the lives of our veterans for their past public service measure to the excellent reputation enjoyed many former members of the Defence Forces and their outstanding contribution to the by the Defence Forces, both at home and who have had cause to avail of O.N.E.’s State. In keeping with this commitment, overseas. services. the Government acknowledges, through O.N.E. plays a vital role in representing and the provision of an annual subvention, the At this time of year, we remember those looking after the welfare of retired personnel valuable contribution that O.N.E. makes who are sadly no longer with us and I want of the Defence Forces of all ranks. You deserve in representing veterans. Last year, I was to take this opportunity to remember those great credit for providing accommodation delighted to announce a more than doubling members of O.N.E. who have passed away for 44 people in Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield, of the annual grant paid to O.N.E. from in 2019 and previous years. Our thoughts Dublin; Beechwood House, Letterkenny; and €44,000 to €100,000 per annum. and best wishes are with their families and Custume House, Athlone as well as other friends. I was also delighted recently to secure services to the homeless, elderly or disabled funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund to Finally, I want to thank all of the O.N.E. members in need of such services. further assist O.N.E. in your work. Following officials and staff for their hard work and The advice and support you provide through an application from my Department, a total wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas, your Veteran Support Centres is invaluable. of €300,000 will be set aside during the years and a prosperous New Year. Over the course of 2019, my Department and 2020 to 2022 to assist O.N.E. and IUNVA Guím sonas agus sábháilteacht do chomhaltaí the Defence Forces have continued to work with specific projects. The first tranche na hÓglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann agus dá with O.N.E. to bring to fruition your plans to of that funding (€100,000) will be made muintir an Nollaig seo agus san Athbhlian.

on veterans’ issues must remain constant. is increasingly benefitting from support from for their support in upgrading the lighting Remembrance: Remembrance is the fourth businesses and other charity partners, and systems in Brú na bhFiann. pillar of ONE and it is therefore appropriate we gratefully acknowledge the great support It is important to know what you are supporting, that the annual Fuchsia Appeal is launched received from: Cygnus Consulting, who have so what follows is a flavour of our future plans. become the first company to sponsor a room at the Defence Forces National Memorial In Brú na bhFiann, in partnership with the Dublin in one of our facilities; ROTHCO/Accenture, in Merrion Square. Remembrance serves to Regional Homeless Executive and the HSE, we one of our close neighbours in Smithfield, who bring to mind, and keep in mind, those who are increasing the number of bedrooms for spearheaded the Sleeping Flags Awareness have made the ultimate sacrifice and who we homeless veterans from 30 to 35, providing Campaign, which as well as winning a host of must always honour. We must also remember an ante room (day room) for residents, and media awards, more importantly, helped ONE those veterans who for some reason or developing a veterans counselling service. another become homeless or others that need identify and support a number of homeless We are co-operating with hospitals to create our support. veterans that would otherwise not have come a pathway for those who need long-term care. to our attention; Harte Communications for The current level of service provision costs media advice; Dublin Bus, for continuing our We are also continuing to develop our facilities ONE in the region of €800,000 annually and Sleeping Flags Awareness Campaign in July; in Beechwood House and Custume House; our future annual funding requirement is the Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust, who opening a small hostel in Cobh in tandem estimated at €1,000,000. Our Dublin hostel, sponsor the training of our staff and volunteers; with the VSC; and examining the provision of Brú na bhFiann, receives support from the and the ESB’s Energy for Generations Fund, further hostel facilities in the Munster area. Dublin Region Homeless Executive, and the In conclusion, our members, staff and Department of Defence contributes annually volunteers give excellent service to ONE towards the administrative overheads of through their commitment to helping the charity. The balance of our income, veterans in their time of need. Other veterans approximately €650,000 for future planned associations and individuals also provide services, comes through various fundraising outstanding support to their less fortunate activities. These include members’ comrades. Throughout this article we do not subscriptions, donations, revenue from quantify the terms ‘service’ or ‘veteran’ as it meals and accommodation, and our national is our view that the duration, type of service, collection through the Fuchsia Appeal. and rank achieved are not important; rather it Corporate bodies can fulfil their social is that veterans served their country at home responsibility by sponsoring rooms in our and overseas. Some of those veterans now homes, sponsoring their local VSC or ONE need others to help them. branch, or by donating their expertise. ONE 6 Opening of Veteran Support Centres in Cavan and Athy ONE is developing 15 Veteran Support Centres (VSC) nationwide with the support of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. These can be described as a cross between Advice Centres and Men’s or Women‘s Sheds. Cavan The Veterans Support Centre in Cavan Town was opened by Brendan Smith TD and Chairman of Dáil Committee of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence on 3rd November and is operated by O’Neill Branch ONE Cavan. A lot of hard work was done by the members of the branch to ensure this project came to fruition. Mr. Smith spoke of the work carried out on behalf of veterans and invited ONE to address a session of the Dáil Defence Committee. Colm Campbell congratulated the branch on bringing the project to fruition. The opening was supported by members of the local post of IUNVA and representatives of military associations from Northern Ireland Prior to the official opening of the VSC, O’Neill Branch Cavan hosted ceremonies to pay respect to all Irish men and women who lost their lives in all wars and in service abroad with the UN (Army, Garda, Aid workers etc) and our comrades who have died. Athy The Athy VSC was opened by Councillor Mark Wall, Cathaoirleach Kildare County Council and National President of ONE Jim Fay on the 28th November. Cllr Wall congratulated Kevin Carton and everybody involved in this new venture for Athy. He said that the work that the St Michaels branch do in Athy, helping at so many events, is tremendous and that the veterans’ centre is a fitting place for all former Defence Forces personnel and indeed all serving personnel to be proud of. Jim Fay, National President ONE also commended the branch on their great work in setting up a VSC in Athy. The branch was well supported by their fellow Kildare Branch St. Conleths, IUNVA and the Glengarry Club. Mick Kinahan, President Leinster Area Council ONE was also in attendance. On the night of the opening the Army No. 1 Band gave an excellent performance in

The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) / Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann is a support organisation for ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Services. It is a company limited by guarantee and a recognised charity (CHY 13868) THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF ONE IS: The welfare of ex-service personnel, by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and any other assistance required. In support of the main object there are three residential homes for ex-service personnel in Dublin, Letterkenny and Athlone. ONE is organised into over 35 branches countrywide. CONTACT DETAILS: The head office is based at Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield Market, North King Street, Dublin 7. Telephone: 01- 4850666. Website: www.oneconnect.ie Email: [email protected] 7 Opening of Veteran Support Centres in Cavan and Athy St. Michael’s Church, Athy. It was beautiful to see the local children of the ‘Sing and Sign’ group enjoying classic Irish songs through the use of sign language. There was a great turnout of ONE members particularly from St. Michael’s and St. Conleths Branches. Veteran Support Centres are now located in: Athlone; Athy; Casement Aerodrome; Cavan; Curragh Camp; Dundalk; Finner Camp; Galway; Kilkenny; Limerick; McKee Barracks; and a temporary facility in Collins Barracks Cork. The official opening of the VSC in McKee Barracks will take place early in the New Year. Work has commenced to establish further Veteran Support Centres in: Collins Barracks and Cobh (Cork); Cathal Brugha Barracks (Dublin); and Wexford. These projects are due for completion in 2020.

ONE Membership Please let You can become an ONE member by contacting your local branch Secretary; by completing the online query form at us have www.oneconnect.ie or by calling Paul at 01 4850666. your EMAIL There are two types of membership; to become a full member you will need to have served for at least a year ADDRESS and received an honourable discharge from any of the Communication with ALL OUR MEMBERS by post is an extremely costly affair and we are anxious to following services: Defence Forces, Red Cross, Civil cut down on these costs and put the money saved, € back into our Charitable Works! So going forward, we Defence and An Garda Siochana. The annual cost of Full Membership is 25. Outside of would ask you to give us an email address which you the above criteria, we still need more active Volunteer Members of Branches, and we are have regular access to. Next year, we hope to send out the majority of our now asking ALL OUR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS to recruit just one FRIEND OF ONE. This is new style newsletters by email with a new software application which will make them easier to read than to build our membership database to around 3000. even the printed version! You are probably aware that many public utilities are opting to send their bills out electronically - in an effort to cut out the use of paper and hopefully TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE CONTACT: protect some of the rain forests at the same time. Ollie O’Connor CEO/Editor, At ONE we are keen to replicate this effort. All you need to do is send one email to info@ ONE CONNECT Magazine, oneconnect.ie and PUT YOUR NAME IN THE SUBJECT BOX! We’ll do the rest. Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann Don’t worry if you do not have access to an email Bru Na bhFiann, Smithfield Village, North King Street, Dublin 7 address. We will still post out all our relevant documentation to those who do not have access to Phone: 01 4850666 • Fax: 01 4850601 • Email: [email protected] email. Thank You! 8 CHIEF OF STAFF’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE DEFENCE FAMILY 2019

On my own behalf and on behalf of the Gen- the Defence Forces for Government has po- eral Staff, I would like to take this opportunity tential implications for State security. to extend season’s greetings to you the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, in par- In the New Year, we will begin again with ticular to those of you who will be spending renewed determination. With our current Christmas away from their families due to ser- shortages in mind, I have directed the vice at home or overseas. General Staff and Formation Commanders 2019 has been a difficult year for the Defence to take measures to ensure that we are Forces. We have faced significant challenges more streamlined and more cohesive for with regards to retention, pay and conditions. the collective benefit of all our personnel. While the Public Service Pay Commission did This means that we must match our outputs deliver the restoration of some allowances, to our resources on a sustainable footing. weekend premium rates and an increase in I want to acknowledge the commitment MSA, it was not what was hoped for. I am very and volunteerism of those who serve in the conscious of the impact that this has on you Reserve Defence Forces, Army and Navy, and and your families and I assure you that the the contribution they continue to make in General Staff will continue to advocate on your supporting the PDF. behalf and contribute in every way possible Our veterans remain an integral part of the DF family. They are the link to our military towards delivering the Government’s High always remember who we are and what we Level Implementation Plan(HLIP) arising from heritage and the source of pride to the stand for. current generation of Soldiers, Sailors and the report of the PSPC. This process is being When the call comes from Government or led by the Department of An Taoiseach and Aircrew. Those of us serving in the Defence from our other security service partners, we Forces today will become the veterans of the outcome is to make the DF an employer must always be ready to respond immediately, of choice. Positive progress is expected tomorrow and it is vital that we retain this as we have done since the foundation of this bond between serving and retired members on issues such as technician pay grades, State. Our institutional arrangements must un- long service arrangements for enlisted and into the future. The outstanding work of the derwrite that guarantee of service and ensure veterans associations is a testament to this. officer ranks, increasing establishments for that we will always do our duty without fear some specialist posts and overcoming wider At this time of year, we acknowledge the of favour, and are able to stand by the solemn incredible support of our families. We also retention challenges. The HLIP favourably oath that we took when we put on the uniform positions the DF for the upcoming public remember those who have died in service this of Óglaigh na hÉireann. The re-establishment year and their families, for whom their loss will service pay negotiations. of a functioning C&A scheme under an inde- Despite the challenges, I must acknowledge be keenly felt this Christmas. pendent Chair is eagerly awaited. In that con- I wish you and your families a Happy and and am proud to state that we have great text I want to be very clear - any weakening of people in our Defence Forces. You delivered Peaceful Christmas and I look forward to the institutional arrangements that guarantee meeting you in the New Year. Nollag shona on your tasks and persisted in your dedicated the unconditional availability of the services of service and loyalty. In testing times we must agus athbhliain faoi mhaise dibh go léir. IPA Cycling Club – Pedal of Honour

On the 14th September 2019 the in Dublin, Westmeath and Donegal and of International Police Association Cycling the local Veteran Support Centre for the Club (IPA CC) organised the ‘LH286 Garda Dundalk area operating from Aiken Military Tony Golden Memorial Cycle’. Over 300 Barracks. cyclists took part in the event. ONE was nominated by Nicola Golden (the This year the cycle was called “PEDAL OF wife of Garda Tony Golden). The event is HONOUR” and held in support of the ONE run by the Tony Golden cycle committee Fuchsia Appeal. The event raised €12,000 for chairman Aiden Hanlon and the IPA cycle the ONE Fuchsia Appeal. The main sponsor club committee chairman Declan Whelan. was Blackstone Motors, Dundalk. A sincere thanks from the Michael McNeela At the ONE Annual Dinner in the Crowne Plaza Branch, Dún Dealgan to Nicola, both Hotel, Dundalk, Declan Whelan Chairman IPA committees, Blackstone Motors and all who CC ONE outlined the awareness of IPA CC took part; for all their hard work and effort. of the support ONE provides for ex service Garda Tony Golden gave his life in the line personnel who have fallen on hard times. He of duty and in the service of the State in spoke of the hostels for homeless veterans Omeath, Co Louth in October 2015. 9 ONE Annual Convention By Ollie O’Connor, CEO ONE & AGM 2019 Photos by Armn Sam Gibney The Organisation of National Ex-Service plan to increase the number of rooms Personnel (ONE) held its 2019 Annual available to homeless veterans in Brú na Convention and its Annual General Meeting bhFiann from 30 to 35, the employment of (AGM) in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk on a Veterans’ Support Officer from January Saturday 28th September. Branch delegates 2020, increasing the number of VSCs and attended where outgoing National President the proposal to develop a 5-bedroom Tom James opened the convention by hostel and VSC in Cobh. He also thanked thanking all of the branches for the support the professional staff and residents in the he received during his two years in office hostels for giving of their time above and and a special word of thanks to Presidents beyond the call of duty, during the Sleeping and Chairpersons of the three Area Council Flags Campaign, which was the vision of for their loyal support and courtesy. Jim Fay the talented team of the Rothco advertising was inaugurated as National President for company. He also thanked the branches and the next two years. their members for continuing to support the ONE’s CEO Ollie O’Connor presented his Fuchsia Appeal. annual report to the convention, where The Convention focussed on four briefings Brig Gen Colm Campbell (ret’d) ONE’s he spoke of the work being carried out with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, in the three hostels and eight Veterans Colm Campbell, presenting the first on ONE’s Chairman giving a briefing on ONE’s Support Centres (VSC). He outlined the Strategic Plan, ‘Building for the Future’. Strategic Plan, ‘Building for the Future’. The plan has seven goals: Consolidating and Future Proofing; Enhanced support and awareness; Government Veterans Policy (in union with the other veterans organisations), Finances of the organisation; Strengthen and invigorate ONE, Develop a sustainable nationwide network of Veterans Support Centres and a nationwide network of Veterans Hostels. Former PSS Director, and ONE Director Ollie Barbour presented the second briefing, which concerned Veterans Welfare, and addressed training of Welfare Officers in Mental Health First Aid and other welfare areas. The third briefing was presented by the Chairman Colm Campbell and concentrated on the adoption of a new Handbook of Rules, which had been sent to every branch prior to the Convention and was accepted by a very large vote. Recently retired Defence Forces Press Officer, Comdt Pat O’Connor, presented ONE’s National President Jim Fay (right) presenting the award for ‘Best Branch’ to the fourth briefing as the guest speaker, ‘Communicating on behalf of ONE’. Galway Branch Chairman Pat Nugent.

ONE to receive €150,000 from Dormant Accounts Funds

On the 29th November Paul Kehoe TD, Minister with Responsibility for Defence announced that €300,000 from Dormant Accounts Funds are to be given to ONE and IUNVA projects over next three years. ONE will use funding for projects such as the 5 bed Hostel and Veterans Support Centre in Cobh. 10

Pathways for veterans seeking long-term residential care

Over the past number of months ONE has met with both the The veteran (applicant) will have the final decision on whether to Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) and the Leopardstown accept RHD’s offer of a place. The decision must be made within Park Hospital (LPH) seeking to explore ways of establishing the requested timeframe. a relationship with both institutions. The purpose of this Leopardstown Park Hospital (LPH) engagement was to develop a pathway for veterans seeking ONE had already formed a functional relationship with the long-term residential or respite care as outlined in Goal 7 of Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust (LPHT) which part funds the ONE’s strategic plan – Building for the Future. Both hospitals operation of the hospital. The LPHT has funded or agreed to are Section 38 agencies which are funded under the Health fund various training programmes including Mental Health First Act, 2004 to provide a defined level of service on behalf of Aid and Welfare Officer Courses conducted by ONE. LPHT has the HSE. also agreed to part fund the development of the Cobh Hostel/ Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) Veterans Support Centre. Following a number of meetings with RHD; ONE has entered Following a number of informal contacts with LPH a meeting into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the hospital between board members, CEO, Director of Nursing , staff of LPH in which both parties seek to cooperate to provide a defined and Defence Forces veterans organisations (ONE, IUNVA and care pathway for ex-service personnel seeking long-term ARCO) took place on 26th November 2019. Ollie O’Connor and residential care. ONE was represented at these meetings by Colm Campbell represented ONE at the meeting. The agenda Colm Campbell (Board Chairperson), Ollie O’Connor (CEO) and was wide ranging with many issues regarding the welfare of Sinead Black (Deputy Manager Brú na bhFiann) veterans discussed. LPH agreed the outline of an arrangement The RHD provides care for people requiring rehabilitation, long- that would enable veterans of the Defence Forces who are over term residential care, respite, and day hospital services. sixty-five to avail of their facilities under defined circumstances. To be considered for a place at RHD, veterans are required to An MOU between ONE and LPH will now be developed on meet the following criteria: similar terms to that between ONE and RHD. • Have completed the Fair Deal application process (care assessment and financial assessment). • Have indicated a preference on their Fair Deal application to come to The Royal Hospital Donnybrook. • Have received formal notification from the Fair Deal Office that their funding is approved. Once the criteria are met (or are in the process of being met), the ONE Client (or designated representative) shall contact RHD to highlight the preference applicant. In response to the above and should an appropriate vacancy arise; • RHD will flag to HSE’s Local Placement Forum that there is applicant seeking to come to RHD • RHD will undertake an assessment of the ONE Client (applicant) for placement suitability

Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) Leopardstown Park Hospital (LPH)