Minister agrees to defer decision on medals for Irish soldiers who fought at Jadotville

Two retired members of the Defence Forces are concerned that just one medal may be awarded when, they maintain, all those who showed exceptional bravery should be honoured.

Leo Quinlan, son of CMDT Pat Quinlan who led the Siege of Jadotville, pictured at a commemorative plaque close to his home at Coomakista Pass, Waterville, Co Kerry. Picture: Don MacMonagle

The Minister for Defence has undertaken not to consider how many medals should be awarded to Irish soldiers who fought in the 1961 Battle of Jadotville prior to a legal challenge returning before the High Court in November.

The undertaking was given through the minister’s lawyers earlier today when proceedings by campaigners seeking to honour the Irish who fought from September 13-17, 1961, at Jadotville, Katanga, in the then Republic of Congo, were adjourned by consent to November 2.