The key role of O.N.E. in Mayo communities
by Séamus Bourke
The role of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (O.N.E.) can be summarised in four words, SUPPORT, COMRADESHIP, ADVOCACY and REMEMBRANCE.
O.N.E. is a company limited by guarantee and a charity registered with both the Charities Regulatory Authority and the Revenue Commissioners. It is also an Approved Housing Body.
O.N.E. was founded in the Mansion House on March 10, 1951, and unified the National Federation of Irish Ex-Servicemen and the Association of Regular Ex-Servicemen.
The first president was Lt. Gen. M.J. Costello.
Today the patron is Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Catherine Connolly.
Today, as always, O.N.E. is strictly non-political and non-sectarian.
Our current goals are as follows:
Support: O.N.E.’s primary objective today is to support the needs of Irish veterans by the provision of accommodation to homeless and other veterans in need of such domestic assistance in its Veterans Homes.
In addition, the provision of other advice and support to veterans, in particular mental health advice, through its nationwide network of branches and Veteran Support Centres (VSCs) and Veteran Support Officers VSOs).
Comradeship: To develop a spirit of comradeship among veterans and between veterans and serving members of Óglaigh na hÉireann. To foster public interest in Óglaigh na hÉireann and to promote social and cultural activities.
Advocacy: To advocate with the Department of Defence, Defence Forces and other elements of national and local government on behalf of veterans. To maintain liaison with veterans’ organisations of other states.
O.N.E. unashamedly advocates in support of veterans, particularly on behalf of those who are less fortunate.
The majority of veterans, irrespective of the length of service, are very successful in new careers or happy in retirement.
However, there is quite a number who need help, from time to time. A Government Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) has now been set up and based within the Department. of Defence.
Remembrance: To remember those who served. To participate in national and local remembrance ceremonies. All branches throughout the country hold appropriate events to commemorate those who have gone before us.
O.N.E.’s services are available to all veterans of the Defence Forces and we also facilitate homeless veterans from other countries living in Ireland from time to time.
These homes have provided a safe, supportive place for over 1,000 veterans to date, with many of those suffering from depression, disabilities and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).
The foundation of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (O.N.E.) is its branch structure.
There are currently 35 branches within O.N.E. together with three area councils, with each branch aligned to one of these. This provides a unique network for our volunteer members to maintain contact with veterans and provide assistance where necessary.
Irish Defence Forces Veterans served the Tricolour with pride in conflict zones around the world, but our government doesn’t always serve them fully.
Despite decades of distinguished service as United Nations Peacekeepers for a record of over 63 consecutive years, many of these veterans have been left destitute and in desperate need of help.
At home, they served during The Troubles, or in ensuring the safety and stability of the State, yet they received little recognition or support when their service came to an end.
Veterans Support Centres (V.S.C.)
O.N.E. is developing a nationwide network of Veterans Support Centres to provide veterans with information, advice, someone to listen and somewhere to meet with former comrades. These can be described as a cross between advice centres and Men’s / Women’s Sheds.
Appealing to the wider veteran community
There is a wide profile of veterans across ages, branches, time served, and background. We are seeking to reconnect with many of our former comrades to attract them into the organisation to bring about a new way of engaging with our veteran community.
As an independent charity O.N.E. relies heavily on donations. With your help, they can keep their doors open and our country’s homeless veterans off the streets, now and in the future. All monies raised locally, stay locally.
See the O.N.E. website for different ways to donate - www.one-veterans.org.
The branch in Mayo is the latest to open a VSO and we welcome all.
The Veterans Support Office is open twice a week in the Parish Centre, opposite the Church of the Holy Rosary, Chapel Street, Castlebar.
The opening hours are:
Thursdays: 12.00 to 14.00hrs.
Saturdays: 10.30 to 12.30hrs.
In addition, the Mayo branch has organised a Military Day, on Mayo Day, Saturday, May 2, in the Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park.
The main theme is Military Heroes and we have six very interesting speakers. One of these is Capt. Noel Carey, the last surviving officer who fought at the Siege of Jadotville in the Congo in 1961.
Appearing on the day also will be a recruitment team for Army, Aer Corps and Navy, a display of military vehicles and the Foxford Brass and Reed Band, celebrating its 130th anniversary.
(Séamus Bourke is PRO of the Mayo Branch, Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann).