A Celebration of the life of Pte. Terence Joseph McMahon 1944-1997

July 16, 2017 ADMIN

On Saturday July 15th Balbriggan & District Historical Society hosted a Commemoration in honour of Terence McMahon from Balbriggan who took part in the Siege of Jadotville in the Congo in 1961. The heroic efforts of the 156 soldiers of the 35th Battalion UN forces who held out against an opposition force of 3000 has only recently been acknowledged.

The day commenced with a Commemorative Mass at St. Peter & Paul’s Church by Celebrant Fr. Eugene Taaffe PP assisted by Fr. Liam Cuffe, son of Jadotville veteran Sgt Geoffrey Cuffe. Irish United Nations Veterans Association Colour party were in attendance. After Mass there was a parade to George’s Square in the company of Mc Mahon family members, St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band, Community Groups and Jadotville Veterans.

Following speeches a Commemorative Plaque was unveiled by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley with the Irish Defence Forces in attendance. Balbriggan & District Historical Society would like to acknowledge the generous support for this project from Fingal County Council and Heritage Officer Gerry Clabby.