Soldiers who kept country together
He was only in the army three weeks when Michael Collins was shot.
He completed his term and his service certificate states that his conduct was "very good."
However, I learned recently that he never received a service medal. I was informed by the former Defence Minister, Michael Smith, that no medal was struck for that period?
How unfair.
Any man who was a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann three months prior to July 11, 1921 the date on which the truce was signed received a medal. I hope that current Defence Minister Willie O'Dea will revisit the past services of the 1922-24 soldiers and have a medal struck for that period.
Eighty years on it would not be before time. I also believe some of our soldiers who served in the Congo deserve to be presented with bravery awards.
I'm not asking for any brown paper bags just a medal that my late dad was entitled to.
If you agree with me on this matter, please drop me a line so that we can form a group to pursue the issue.
Stephen Quinn
Barrow Heights
Wood Road
Graiguenamanagh
Co Kilkenny
