The Emblem of Óglaigh na hÉireann
The Óglaigh na hÉireann design, which is the joint emblem for land, sea and air components of the Defence Forces, links the modern organisation back to its origins in the Irish Volunteers founded in November 1913. Commissioned Officers blackened their cap badges in mourning at General Michael Collins’ death in action in August 1922 and this tradition has been preserved ever since.
The ‘IV button’
The Army has preserved the tradition of the ‘IV’ brass buttons on its Service Dress No. 1. Originally designed for use on Irish Volunteer uniforms by early 1914, the design of the ‘IV’ initials flanking the Irish harp (a traditional symbol on Irish flags, later to become the State Seal) featured on the first uniforms of the National Army in January 1922 and has continued ever since.
“I’m a proud member of Óglaigh na hÉireann and have pride in our rich history. I marched in the 90th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising Parade as a member of the Reserve. In 2016 I had the honour of carrying the National Flag during the Centenary Parade. I’m the first of my family to join since my great grandfather, Cathal Brugha who served as Chief of Staff of the Army, the first President of the Dáil and subsequently as Minister for Defence.”
Capt Gearóid Ó Briain, No 1 Operations Wing, the Air Corps.