Irish United Nations Veterans Association

14/06/2026

Anniversary - CQMS Declan Stokes 14 Jun
On 14 Jun 1993 CQMS Declan Stokes (39), 28 IrComp, Camp Comd, UNIFIL HQ collapsed while playing in an inter-unit soccer match at Haris in South Lebanon. He was evacuated by helicopter to the UNIFIL Hospital at Naqoura but he was declared dead at the hospital from a heart attack.
His remains arrived at Dublin Airport on Thursday 17 Jun. Following Requiem Mass at St Bridget’s Church, Kilcullen on 19 Jun, he was buried in New Abbey Cemetery, Kilcullen, Co Kildare. His parent unit was Mil Col.

We remember Declan Stokes on the anniversary of his death and the loss to his family, his comrades and the DF.

I measc na naomh go raibh sé.

11/06/2026

Anniversary - Pte Brendan Cummins 11 Jun
Pte Brendan Cummins (23), HQ Coy, 20 Inf Gp UNFICYP, died from natural causes on 11 Jun 1971 at Princess Mary's Hospital, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.
His parent unit was 2 Inf Bn and he was on his first tour of duty with the UN. He was repatriated from Nicosia to Dublin Airport on 18 Jun and taken to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ballyfermot. Requiem Mass was celebrated on 20 Jun and he was buried at Glasnevin Cemetery.

We remember Brendan Cummins on the anniversary of his death and the loss to his family, his comrades and the DF.

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dó.

11/06/2026

Anniversary - Cpl James Fagan10 Jun
On 10 Jun 1968, Cpl James Fagan (28) Armd Car Gp 10 Inf Gp was critically injured in a road traffic accident at Pano Zodia, Cyprus. He died a few hours later in the mining company hospital at Pendayia, Xeros.

He enlisted in the DF on 14 Oct 1955 and his parent unit was 2 Mot Sqn. He completed two tours of duty in the Congo, first in 1962 with Armd Car Gp, 37 Inf Bn and with 3 Armd Car Sqn in 1963. He had served previously in Cyprus with Armd Car Gp, 3 Inf Gp in 1964 and with Armd Car Gp, 6 Inf Gp 1966. His coffin was repatriated on 12 Jun and was taken to the Church of the Sacred Heart Arbour Hill. He was laid to rest in the UN Plot at Glasnevin Cemetery following Requiem Mass.

We remember James Fagan on the anniversary of his death and the loss to his family, his comrades and the DF.

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí dó.

08/06/2026

With sadness we inform members of the death on 7 Jun 2026 of BSM Stephen McEntee (Retd), Fernwood Ave, Springfield Tallaght, Dublin 24 and late of McKee Bks Coy and a member of Post 1 IUNVA He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at home; beloved husband of Tina, much loved dad of Elaine and Alan and adored grandad of Nicole, Joe, Kayleigh, Luke, Lucy, Thomas and great grandad of Ares. Stephen will be forever loved and very sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandson, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and DF comrades.
Reposing at the Brian McElroy Funeral Home, The Square, Tallaght (opposite Tallaght Stadium) on Tuesday 9 Jun from 1500 to 1700. Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday 10 Jun at 1100 in St Mark’s Church, Springfield and afterwards to Newlands Cross Crematorium arriving for 1300. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.

Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a anam cineálta dílis.

08/06/2026

With sadness we inform members of the death on 6 Jun 2026 of Thomas McCarthy, Lansdowne Court and formerly of Whitegate, Co Cork) and late of the Naval Service.
He passed away peacefully in the tender loving care of all the staff in the I.C.U. in the Mercy University Hospital. Beloved husband of Noreen, proud dad of Aidan and Margaret, brother of Tony and the late Minnie. Sadly missed by his loving family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends especially those in the O.N.E. and the Glen Social Club.

Reposing at the Mayfield Funeral Home, Old Youghal Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd on Tuesday 9 Jun from 1400 to 1500. Requiem Mass at 1100 on Wednesday10 Jun in the Church of Our Lady Crowned, Mayfield followed by funeral afterwards to All Saints Cemetery Aghada.

Family flowers only, please, donations in lieu to the I.C.U. Mercy University Hospital.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

07/06/2026

Anniversary - Comdt Thomas Wickham 7 Jun
On 7 Jun 1967, Comdt Thomas Patrick Wickham (48), an unarmed military observer with the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation (UNTSO) was shot dead by a Syrian soldier on the Golan Heights during the Six Day War (5 – 10 Jun 1967) between Israel and its Arab neighbours Syria, Egypt and Jordan.

Comdt Wickham joined the DF as a Cdt in 1940 and, at the time of his death, his parent unit was the Mil Col. He served in the Congo from Nov 1962 to May 1963 as Ops Offr 38 Inf Bn.

On 10 Jun, his coffin was flown from Beirut to Dublin. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery following Requiem Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill.

We remember Thomas Wickham on the anniversary of his death and the loss to his family, his comrades and the DF.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis.

Photo: Comdt Thomas P Wickham photographed as an Arty Corps 2/Lieut in 1941, photo credit Military Archives.

07/06/2026

05/06/2026

With sadness we inform members of the death on 4 June 2026 of, former CQMS Joeseph (Joey) Maher formerly of Garravoone, Carrick-on-Suir. Co Waterford. and late of the 12 Inf Bn, Kickham Bks, Clonmel.

He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Pre-deceased by his wife Ann, Joe will be sadly missed by his children Michael, Sean, Karen and Emma, brothers Michael, John, Noel and sister Mary, sisters-in-law Noreen, Eileen and Jenny, his adore grandchildren Aoife & Laura, son-in-law Keith, nieces, nephews, extended family and neighbours.

Reposing at Walsh's Funeral Home, New Street, Carrick-on-Suir on Saturday 6th June, from 17:00 hrs to 18:3 hrs. Joe will be arriving at St Molleran's Church Carrick Beg on Sunday the 7th June, for requiem mass on arrival at 11am followed by burial in St Mary's Cemetery. Family flowers only.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

05/06/2026

With sadness we inform members of the death on 4 Jun 2026 of Post 15 member Patrick (Paddy) Grace, Killymooney Drive, Cavan Town. He passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family and the wonderful staff at Oakview Nursing Home, Belturbet. Predeceased by his beloved wife Joan (O'Rourke). Paddy was dearly loved and will be very sadly missed by his son Noel (Eileen) and his daughter Katherine (Scott), his adored grandchildren Hugh, Diarmuid and Thomas, all his extended family, former military colleagues and his many friends.

Paddy will repose at the McMahon Funeral Home, Farnham Rd, Cavan (H12C821) on Friday evening from 2100 until 2230. Removal from the Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon at 1540 to the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim, Cavan arriving for a Funeral Mass at 1600 Following Mass burial will take place in St Brigid's Cemetery, Killygarry. Paddy's Funeral Mass can be viewed live on the parish website at www.cavantownparish.com/webcam

Go ndéana Dia trócaire air.