President Catherine Connolly Celebrates ONE Veterans Charity Anniversary in Dublin

On Saturday, President Catherine Connolly attended a poignant event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).

The ceremony, held at Cathal Brugha Barracks, honoured decades of service by the charity, which focuses on homelessness and mental health support for former members of Ireland’s Defence Forces.

Supporting Veterans Through Thick and Thin

Since its founding in 1951, ONE has provided critical assistance to ex-service personnel, including temporary housing, mental health services, and ongoing care.

Its homes are located in AthloneIreland”], [“place”,”Cobh”,”Ireland”], Dublin and Letterkenny facilities in ork”,”Ireland”], place”,”Limerick”,”Ireland”], and Newbridge Cormac Kirwan, emphasised the importance of the charity’s work.

“Homelessness and mental health challenges have become part of our common language, but in doing so, they may have lost some of their true meaning,” he said.

“The new facilities will provide veterans with a safe and supportive space, warm meals, camaraderie, care, and hope for as long as it is needed.”

A Ceremony With Respect and Tradition

The anniversary event featured a veterans’ guard of honour to welcome the President, highlighting the ongoing connection between Ireland’s armed forces and the charity.

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Connolly reflected on the charity’s origins, noting that a housing crisis prompted its creation.

She also drew attention to Ireland’s current housing struggles: “Seventy-five years later, we are facing another housing crisis, with over 17,000 people, including more than 5,300 children, residing in emergency accommodation in January of this year.”

Impact and Consequences

The expansion of ONE’s housing facilities will directly improve the lives of veterans facing homelessness, offering them secure accommodation and mental health support.

By increasing capacity, the charity can prevent veterans from falling through the cracks and provide long-term stability.

More broadly, it highlights the continuing societal need to support vulnerable populations, especially those who have served their country.

What’s Next?

ONE will complete its phase two expansion with three new homes in Cork, Limerick, and Newbridge, bringing modern, en-suite accommodation to veterans.

Alongside housing, the charity will continue to focus on mental health services, community support, and advocacy for ex-service personnel.

The ongoing goal is to ensure no veteran is left without shelter or care.

Summary

Seventy-five years after its founding, ONE continues to serve Ireland’s veterans through housing, mental health support, and community services.

President Connolly’s attendance at the anniversary underscores the ongoing importance of the charity’s work, particularly as Ireland faces a renewed housing crisis.

With expansion underway, ONE is set to provide even more veterans with safety, care, and hope.

Bulleted Takeaways

• ONE celebrates 75 years assisting Irish veterans with homelessness and mental health
• Homes currently exist in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin, and Letterkenny with 51 single bedrooms
• Phase two expansion will add 17 en-suite bedrooms in Cork, Limerick, and Newbridge
• President Catherine Connolly emphasised urgent need for veteran support and awareness
• CEO Cormac Kirwan highlighted the charity’s role in providing safety, care, and hope
• Ireland faces a current housing crisis affecting over 17,000 people, including 5,319 children
• Anniversary event featured a veterans’ guard of honour at Cathal Brugha Barracks
• ONE aims to ensure no veteran is left without shelter, care, or community support