Brothers who lost their mother in Creeslough recognised at Defence Forces Awards

Two men who lost their mother in the Creeslough Tragedy were recognised at the Annual Defence Forces Values Awards.

Martina Martin was one of the 10 people who died in the explosion at the local service station on October 7 last year. This week, her sons, Private Sean Martin and Private Neil Martin, were given an Integrity Award at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel. 

"To recognise the integrity shown by both of you through your actions in your family, community and Unit in the aftermath of the tragic passing of your mam, Martina, at Creeslough,” Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said of the brothers.

“Nominated by Sgt Liam Russell, you are both credited with showing many of our values consistently since your Mother’s death and amid the depths of this grief you honoured your mother at her funeral with dignity, respect and composure. 

“The integrity shown by you both since you returned to work in Finner Camp has not gone unnoticed and you continue to show outstanding courage and dedication to service. On a daily basis, you have demonstrated professionalism and commitment when conducting your duties, exercises and training for the Defence Forces."

The President of the European Court of Human Rights, Ms Justice Síofra O'Leary presented Defence Forces members with Values Awards in the company of Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Award winners and their families and colleagues. 

This was the sixth iteration of the Awards, whose recipients are Defence Forces personnel who have best displayed Selflessness, Loyalty, Integrity, Moral Courage, Physical Courage and Respect. Nominated by their peers, these personnel were chosen as those who best exemplify the values and standards of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Lieutenant General Clancy extended his gratitude to the families of the award winners and spoke about the Defence Forces Values.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here today to host this year’s Defence Forces Values Award ceremony,” he said. “I particularly wish to extend our gratitude to your families, whose sacrifices and support enable us to serve and perform our tasks to the highest possible standards. 

“The legacy, standards and traditions of the proud men and women that have preceded us should not be forgotten. The culture they established and developed was and remains one which is underpinned by our values. Our values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity are the constants that underpin our values-based leadership. 

“The Defence Forces values are our key strength. As serving members we must continue to build upon the legacy of our forebears while demonstrating our core values, which are the foundation on which our organisation is built and guide our behaviour in both our personal and professional lives.”