Sunday 18th November 2001.

The Irish Prime Minister An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern unveiled a Stained Glass Window dedicated to the deceased members of The Naval Association. The window was also dedicated to deceased members of The Marine Service (1939-1946), The Maritime Inscription (1940-1947), The Naval Service, and An Slua Muiri (now renamed The Naval Service Reserve).

An Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern inspected a guard of honour drawn from An Slua Muiri (Naval Service Reserve) under Lt. Stephen Murphy. Musical honours was provided by the army No 1 Band.

The weekend started on Friday with the arrival of 48 members of the Birkenhead Branch of the Royal Naval Association. That evening they attended our annual dinner and dance held at the Garda Social Club. On Saturday The RNA travelled by coach to tour Dublin and the outskirts of the City while some others went golfing with some of our own members. On Sunday morning the celebrations started with Mass celebrated by the Army Chaplain Fr.Eoin Thynne assisted by the Naval Chaplain Fr.Desmond Campion. The dignitaries attending included Ald. Michael Doherty representing the Dublin Lord Mayor. The Minister of Defence Mr. Michael Smith T.D. The Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Colm Mangan, Col. O'Dwyer representing G.O.C. 2nd Eastern Brigade, The Flag Officer (Naval Service) Commodore John Kavanagh, Captain Fergus Britton representing Dublin Port, Col.Jeffrey Donald U.S.Military Attaché, and Mr. Michael McGlynn Representing Irish Ferries.

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From the alter An Taoiseach delivered a heart warming speech reminding all present that the Naval Association had done its deceased members proud by commissioning the stained glass window in memory of all those that have gone before us. He paid tribute to Leading Seaman Michael Quinn who lost his life during an attempted rescue of Spanish Seamen stranded on a stricken vessel, and that the Dublin Branch of the Naval Association was called after him. He also paid tribute to the other sailor who was with Michael Quinn but was fortunate to have survived the traumatic experience of being capsized but made it to safety. He was delighted to see that same sailor Paul Kellett amongst the gathering here this morning. An Taoiseach also paid tribute to our Marine Historian Dr.John DeCourcy Ireland and wished him a belated 91st birthday.

The President of The Naval Association Mr Michael Philbin thanked An Taoiseach for his attendance and invited him to do the honour of unveiling the stained glass window.
Michael Philbin, and An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern

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