Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel Information

On the 10th March 1951, ‘Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann’ - The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen was formed at the Mansion House in Dublin. This new organisation brought together The National Federation of Irish Ex-Servicemen and the Association of Regular Ex-Servicemen, these organisations had emerged following demobilisation after ‘The Emergency’ (World War II). At the time of its inception, there were approximately 180,000 ex-service personnel in Ireland. ONE was strictly non-political and non-sectarian and has remained so to this day. Lt General Michael Joe Costello who retired in 1946 was elected the organisation’s first president. On the inception of the unified body, General Costello sent a message to all ex-servicemen around the country: “It is important that we remember what brings us together – what interest we have in common. It is quite simply the common bond of past service in Ireland in her armed forces. We are old comrades in arms wishing to maintain and strengthen old associations and traditions.” The ONE Badge was modelled on the Defence Forces ‘FF’ cap badge, which features the sunburst and eight pointed star. The words ‘Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann’ translated today as Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel. The letters ONE are central, behind is a white numeral 1 in front of the Black and Tan colours – in memory of those that were awarded The Service (1917-1921) Medal (often referred to as the War of Independence Medal). ONE is a registered Irish charity for veterans of the Defence Forces. The charity offers former Defence Forces veterans housing and support, with the ultimate goal of accessing permanent accommodation, improving mental health and preventing future homelessness. Headquartered in Smithfield, Dublin 7, the charity runs 37 branches across Ireland, along with 15 Veteran Support Centres (VSC) and 5 homes in Cork, Cobh, Dublin, Athlone, and Letterkenny. For more information and history of ONE: www.one-veterans.org