COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 09, 2020

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor Patrick Pearse Holohan

This Council calls on the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Staff & the Commander in Chief the President to promote and support the Irish Soldiers of A Company 35th Infantry Battalion and in recognition,and award 33 men 33 Distinguished Service Medals and 5 Military medals for gallantly recommended by the late Commandant Pat Quinlan. While serving in the Congo in 1961, under the UN flag, Commandant Quinlan and his battalion came under siege for 5 days while attempting to defend Jadotville and the peace in the small mining town. Segregated by a bridge they were cut off and 90 miles from HQ. The force in which Quinlan and his men fought against were led by Roger Faulques. Roger was hugely experienced in combat and his force heavily outnumbered and out gunned the 35th battalion. The Irish suffered no deaths and only a few wounded. Largely due to Commandant Pat Quinlan's insistence that the entire Company dig trenches. The men were then held in captivity afterwards for a month. Upon return home to Ireland they were not treated as heroes in fact many suffered shame. Internationally this feat has astounded Army's about how Quinlan returned them men who averaged age 18.5 home to their families alive. No doubt these men were nominated by Quinlan because they saved lives through brave and courageous actions - it would be just to honour his wishes of granting these decorations he listed and give closure to the 8 men still alive and the family's and memories of those who fought at Jadotville. In 2017, serving members were awarded Jadotville medals upon the then Taoiseach's recommendation. Although, this is a medal is to be cherished, it was not the MMG or distinguished service medal recommended by Pat Quinlan. At a time when our front-line services and forces are close to conscience. Recorrecting this history opens up and highlights a positive assurance towards these brave men and shows our current men and woman of service that we honour and respect them and we will always stand up for their good name and due merit if we feel it is at question with no time limit till closure is found. If passed, a letter from this Council will be drafted accordingly and dispatched forthwith to the above mentioned.

REPORT:

If this Motion is a passed a letter will be issued to the relevant bodies named in the motion and a response, when received, will be circulated to the Members.