Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland

25/04/2026

Today we pause to remember ANZAC Day and the Gallipoli campaign of 1915 — a moment that has come to symbolize courage, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war.

While it is most closely associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, it’s also worth remembering the thousands of Irish soldiers who took part in the landings and the wider Gallipoli campaign. Many served in British regiments such as the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the Royal Munster Fusiliers, enduring the same brutal conditions, steep terrain, and relentless fire that defined the campaign.

Gallipoli was a campaign marked by extraordinary bravery but also by flawed planning and immense loss of life. For many Irish families, it remains part of a complex history — one that intertwines service, sacrifice, and the broader story of Ireland during that period.

Today, we remember all those who landed on those shores, those who never returned, and the generations shaped by their legacy.

Lest we forget.

23/04/2026

Fine and ancient traditions sustain

21/04/2026

From 1 Patron to a Mother - The King pays heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth II to mark the centenary of her birth but said much of much of life today would likely have “troubled her deeply”.

The King has recorded a heartfelt tribute to his “darling Mama” to mark the centenary of her birth but said much of much of life today would likely have “troubled her deeply”.

19/04/2026

On this day we remember the four WW2 RAF Aircrew who lost their lives on a lonely Wicklow mountainside. We commemorated their lives and deaths in Blessington in 2022.
PILOT OFFICER J.K HILL
SGT . FH ERDWIN
SGT. J.T. LAMB
SGT. S WRICHT.
WHO DIED IN THE CRASH OF A HAMPDEN BOMBER AT BLACK HILL LACKEN ON 17 APRIL 1941.
May they Rest in Peace.

17/04/2026

Our Op Banner Veteran’s and families in particular have endured some ‘interesting times’ in the recent past arising from their courageous service … so this statement by NIVC will be most reassuring, no doubt.

Please see the statement below from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone in respect to today’s Coagh Inquest Appeal Ruling:

Today's Appeal Court ruling by Lady Chief Justice Keegan, that a coroner was legally entitled to find a SAS soldier justified in shooting an unarmed IRA driver, as part of a collective terrorist threat to life, is to be welcomed. Lady Chief Justice Keegan said the SAS member ( Soldier B ) who opened fire, at an IRA terrorist attack in Coagh in 1991, had responded proportionately in a lethal situation, a fact already established at the initial inquest and an appeal.

This ruling also highlights the ongoing concerns that veterans have with the wider legacy process and some of the current proposals contained within the Troubles Bill. For many veterans, this ‘lawfare’, particularly through the coronial system, has become the punishment. Lady Chief Justice Keegan was clear in stating the grounds of this legal challenge were not the purpose of Judicial Reviews. In other words, this is a misuse of the legal system.

Millions of pounds of public money is being channelled into legal cases that lack any substance, consuming court time and prolonging hardship for veterans and their families who are more often than not, left in limbo for years.

I also welcome the public comments of the SAS Regimental Association and the retired Generals who understand, better than anyone, the challenging nature of operations like Coagh, where soldiers, sent by the UK Government, found themselves in combat situations facing armed terrorists.

As Veterans Commissioner, I will continue to advocate for a legacy process that ensures fairness for all. I will continue to highlight the ‘lawfare’ strategy being used, particularly through coroners inquests, that seeks to create a narrative of wholesale demonisation of those who served, the vast majority of whom did so, with huge restraint and professionalism.

16/04/2026

Truly memorable memorial site worth a days visit now fully integrated into the Royal British Legion.

We are pleased to announce today that from September 2026 the National Memorial Arboretum will be known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.

The RBL has been the Arboretum’s parent charity since 2003, and the two charities recently merged as one. The name change is inspired by RBL’s vision to bring society together to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community and reflects the site’s role at the centre of our Remembrance work.

Since it opened to the public 25 years ago, the destination has grown into a beautiful and inspiring place where everyone can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year. As part of our aims to evolve Remembrance and widen participation, the site will bring more people together to reflect, learn and remember service and sacrifice.

RBL National Remembrance Gardens describes a place that invites people in, not just to reflect, but to take an active part in Remembrance.

The Arboretum’s founder, Commander (Rtd) David Childs CBE, has expressed his strong support for the development, praising RBL for its stewardship of the site and how it has helped it flourish.

From a seed of an idea to the nation’s year-round place to remember, the Arboretum has been shaped by the people who care for it. That shared commitment from employees, volunteers, supporters and communities will continue as it enters its next chapter as the RBL National Remembrance Gardens.

15/04/2026

We are proud to share that Brian Duffy MBE, Republic of Ireland Trustee, was last night awarded Life Membership of the Royal British Legion at the Tower of London.

The award was presented by Linda Atkins DL, National Chairman. Brian said he was surprised, humbled and deeply grateful to receive this honour.

The presentation comes as Brian stands down soon after ten years of dedicated service as Republic of Ireland Trustee.

Our warmest congratulations and sincere thanks to Brian for his outstanding commitment.


Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) RoIRoyal Naval Association Dublin Branch British Embassy Dublin Irish Embassy London Oxted & District Branch Royal British Legion Dublin Central Branch Royal British Legion St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

14/04/2026

Islandbridge 2026 now live on Eventbrite. Book your diary for one of the great gatherings of veterans on the island of Ireland.
Support your local Legion and preserve our fabulous Irish National War Memorial.

The RBL 'Battle of Somme' Ceremony is a highlight of the Irish commemorative year. An island of Ireland event where all are welcome.

12/04/2026

Here’s one from the archives ..

A gathering of members and friends in the former club of Dublin Central Branch, Royal British Legion, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin (circa 1980). A fabulous place reflecting camaraderie and shared history amongst veterans both British and Irish. Only one veteran clearly identified here - that’s Jim Cairns (4th from left) late Irish Guards who’s still an active member today. Please contribute names of any you recognise.

30/03/2026

The District President and Chairman extend their heartfelt congratulations, on behalf of RBL ROI, to our dear friends, compatriots, and defence colleagues of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann ONE Veterans Charity on the occasion of their 75th anniversary.

For 75 years, they have proudly supported Ireland’s veterans, continuing to grow from strength to strength. We wish them every success and a bright and happy future.
Royal British Legion
Royal Naval Association Dublin Branch
Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) RoI
Graham Dodds DL