Former Defence Forces Chief of Staff dies

The former Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Tadhg O'Neill, died at a hospital in Dublin today.

The 82-year-old was an Artillery Officer, who served as Chief of Staff from February 1986 to October 1989.

His distinguished career also included service with the United Nations in the Congo, Lebanon and Cyprus.

He is survived by his wife Emer and daughters Orla, Niamh and Emer.

The Defence Forces has offered the family its most sincere condolences.

The removal will take place from Peamount Hospital, Rathcoole to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clondalkin for 5.30pm tomorrow.

Funeral mass will be on Saturday at 11am, followed by burial at Newlands Cemetery with full military honours.