Song Playing:
"Pipes"


In Fermoy, Ireland

1

 

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The Irish Army Badge


Military Cap Badge
The Badge design (Common to the Irish Army, Irish Naval Service and the Irish Air Corps) is derived from the Badge of the Irish Volunteers and was designed by Professor Eoin MacNeill, Chairman of the National Executive of the Irish Volunteers.

Professor Eoin MacNeill

The Badge was originally adopted by the Irish Volunteers in October 1914 as the official badge of the organisation. The centrepiece is formed of the letters "FF". These letters signify "Fianna Fail" (pronounced Fianna Fall). The word Fianna is the name of the ancient military organisation (circa 3rd.century A.D.) forming what then corresponded to the standing Army of the country. The word Fail means Destiny.

One of the ancient names for Ireland was "Inisfail"" (The Isle of Destiny) and "Fianna Fail" thus signifies the "Fianna (or Army) of Ireland.


Army Headquarters Badge

The two letters are surrounded by an ancient warriors sword belt and a circle of flames, which represents the "Sunburst" - the traditional battle emblem of the Fianna.

The words "Oglaigh na hEireann" inscribed around the belt mean "Soldiers of Ireland".


Command Headquarters Badge

No particular significance is attached to the representation of the star, which is included to balance the design.

©   Paudie McGrath Cork Ireland 2003 -