Song Playing:
"Last Post"


In Fermoy, Ireland

In Fermoy, Ireland

1

 

Please email Paudie McGrath if you would like a larger print of these photos.

Trooper Patrick Mullins Memorial

held at St. Joseph's Church, Kilbehenny



Plaque to Patrick Mullins

The Plaque hung in a place of honour in the Military Church Fermoy up to 1998, when Fitzgerald Camp was permanently closed.

At the time (1998) the Military Church was given to the parish as a goodwill gesture by the Military Authorities. However, they did not foresee that the Plaque and all military memorabilia would not be valued and it was removed by the Parish Adm. Fr.Tony O'Brien during renovations.

In March 2003 the re-dedication and transfer of the plaque to St.Joseph's Church Kilbehenny took place, with the church packed to capacity, and the former comrades of Pat's taking a place of honour, as indeed they will in the years to come.

The Plaque was designed and machined by Sgt. Tim Carey. Tim was a crew member of the armoured car in which Pat Mullins was killed.

His intention was to install it in St.Joseph's Church, Kilbehenny, but the PP of Kilbehenny at the time would not allow it. Instead it was installed in the Military Church, Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy.

Now history has come the full circle and the plaque has returned to St.Joseph's Church, Kilbehenny as originally planned.


Sgt. Tim Carey


Armoured Car in which Trooper
Mullins was a crew member.
Sqn Sgt Dan Carroll, who was awarded a DSM during that
period of action, and Sgt Dan Morris standing beside the
Armoured Car prior to it being recovered. It was put back
into service following a re-commisioning service presided over
by the OC UN Elizabethville Forces. The day was very emotive
but symbolised the spirit of Armed Car Group, 35th Bn. The car
was used again in action during the strife which resumed in
December 1961.

Former Armoured Car Group
35th Infantry Battalion.
L/R Dan McManus, John O'Mahony, Art Magennis, Tim Carey,
Fred Sheedy, Dan Clancy, Jim Carey, Panda Quinn, Sean Hennessy,
Des Keegan, and Mick Boyce

The United Nations served in the Congo in operations from 1960-1964.

Trooper Patrick Mullins was killed in action on the 14th September 1961, while serving with the United Nations 35th Infantry Battalion in the Congo .

The body of Patrick was never recovered, and on account of that, the family receive great comfort from the simple ceremony held each year at Kilbehenny.

THE WORDS TO THE LAST POST

Come home! Come home!
The last post is sounding for you to hear.
All good soldiers know very well there is nothing to fear
while they do what is right, and forget all the worries
they have met in their duties through the year.
A soldier cannot always be great, but he can be a gentleman
and he can be a right good pal to his comrades in his squad.
So all you soldiers listen to this
– Deal fair by all and you’ll never be amiss.

Be Brave! Be Just! Be Honest and True Men!

©   Paudie McGrath Cork Ireland 2003 -
Web Design: Linda Taylor Wollongong NSW Australia
  

Céad Mile Fáilte !
A Hundred Thousand Welcomes