FCA was not the Continuity IRA

I served in An Forsa Cosanta Aitiuil for 14 years from the early 1950s to the mid-60s.

I always knew that I was a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Irish Defence Force. There was no ‘Parkgate Street’ attached to the name. Nor can I recall any advertisements as referred to by Donal Kennedy (Aug 27). There was a large sign outside Collins Barracks in Dublin which said “Tar isteach san FCA”.

At no time during my service did I consider myself as having joined the Continuity IRA as suggested by Mr Kennedy. I am quite sure that none of my comrades did either, we were just following in our fathers’ footsteps.

The FCA was stood down in the mid-90s when the Continuity IRA did not exist. I wonder when Mr Kennedy served.

Brian P Ó Cinneide

Durban

South Africa