A chairde agus a chomrádaithe,
Thank you for your kind cards and mails.
As we fill out the labels to seal the stores after a very long and challenging year, I wanted to write to wish you all the best for the Christmas and New Year. It hasn’t been an easy year, especially with all the extra stresses and demands brought on by the pandemic. I think that both serving personnel and veterans should be very proud of all that we have achieved this year in very trying circumstances. The veterans’ organisations, in particular, have made an immense contribution to local communities, played a key role in the fight against Covid, and done wonderful work to support our brother and sister veterans in need. Covid notwithstanding, you have also graced our State and DF ceremonial occasions by your presence, and fostered pride in our heritage and the achievements of Óglaigh na hÉireann since 1913. In line with the DF vision statement, you have ‘strengthened the Nation by inspiring pride and leading excellence’.
I hope that you all get the chance for some well-earned down time and, Covid permitting, to catch up with your extended family and friends during the break.
I would be grateful if you could disseminate this mail to your members, and particularly to your respective committees. In lieu of sending Christmas cards and in the spirit of climate action, I am making a donation instead this year to the ONE’s Fuchsia Appeal.
Thanks again for all your efforts in 2021 and my best wishes to you and your loved ones for 2022. Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Adrian
Adrian Ó MURCHÚ
Major General / Maorghinearál
Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) / Leas-Cheann Foirne (Tacaíocht)