Michael Smyth has been selected as ONE’s new Deputy Chief Executive Officer after a comprehensive recruitment process.

Michael retired from the Defence Forces in 2022 after completing 34 years of service. Michael says he was influenced by his grandfather and father to follow in their footsteps and join Óglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Defence Forces). Michael’s wife, brothers and extended family have also served and some are currently serving.

After embarking on his military career starting with the FCÁ now known as the Reserve Defence Forces, Michael joined the 3rd Infantry Battalion, in Connolly Barracks, Curragh Camp. He says this is where he expanded his knowledge by completing foreign courses in the Infantry School, Warminster and the DNBC School at Winterbourne Gunner in the UK. With his new military skills and experience, Michael joined the NCO Training Wing in the Military College and was pivotal in his role in developing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training for the Defence Forces. He also trained Defence Forces personnel in Close Recce and Urban Operations during a security period when it was greatly needed both at home and overseas. Michael has held appointments in both the Cadet School and in the Chief of Staff’s branch before concluding his service with the 7th Infantry Battalion, in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin as the unit’s Battalion Sergeant Major.

Michael served overseas on three tours of duty as a peacekeeper to Lebanon with UNIFIL, as well as tours to SFOR in Bosnia and ISAF in Afghanistan. He returned to Bosnia and served with EUFOR, and his final mission was with KFOR in Kosovo. Michael also worked with an NGO Network in Afghanistan for a year focusing on providing services and improving the lives of Afghan people.

Surrounded by a vibrant veteran community in Kildare and having supported veterans in Dublin during his service in the 7 Inf Bn, Michael is driven and deeply motivated to help and advocate for veterans of all ages facing challenges and those transitioning to civilian life. Michael was a member of ONE’s St Conleth’s Branch.

Michael’s goal is to work alongside our CEO Cormac Kirwan, in steering ONE’s daily operations. He aims to continue to provide professional support services, strengthen the wider veteran community and drive forward ONE’s vision of making Ireland one of the best places to be a veteran.

ONE is delighted to welcome Michael to his new role, and he has hit the ground running as you would expect, he will be getting out to meet veterans and branches in the coming weeks.

About ONE: ONE supports the needs of Irish veterans by the provision of accommodation to homeless veterans and the provision of other advice and support through its nationwide network of Branches and Veteran Support Centres.

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