![At the medal presentation ceremony at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick were from left: Sgt. Des O'Sullivan, Cpl. Joe Doran, CQMS Donal Horgan, Pte. J. Murphy, Cpl. Aisling Griffin, Cpl. Michael O'Connor, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Chief of Staff, Mr. Joe Martin, Paul Kehoe, Minister for Defence, Des Dowling; Assistant Secretary, Department of Defence; Commandant Tommy Martin, Captain John Mannix, Sgt. Rory Costello, Lt. Sean Coffey, Captain Rory O'Donovan. Photograph: George Daly](https://i0.wp.com/www.mainevalleypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_6539.jpg?w=162&h=95)
![Commandant Tommy Martin and his father Joe at the medal presentation ceremony at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick.](https://i0.wp.com/www.mainevalleypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Joe-and-Tommy-Martin.jpg?resize=250%2C300)
Ceremonies have been held in several centres throughout the country in recent weeks in recognition of the contribution of the Defence Forces to the State in this special year of commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising.
These events also aim to acknowledge the service the Defence Forces have provided to the State for the past 100 years.
Serving members have been awarded and presented with the ‘Defence Forces Commemorative Medal’ to mark their involvement in the important events of the year.
A Special Ceremony
In Sarsfield Barracks, on Monday, December 5th. a special ceremony was held to award selected personnel from the 12th Infantry Battalion with their medals.
The medals were presented by Paul Kehoe, Minister for Defence along with Vice Admiral Mark Mellet, Chief of Staff.
Captain John Mannix from Currow and Castleisland native, Commandant Tommy Martin, Officer Commanding F Company, 12th Infantry Battalion were among the medal recipients at Sarsfield Barracks.
A Proud Observer
Commandant Martin’s father, Joe was a guest and a proud observer of the day’s events in Limerick.
In August of this year, Commandant Martin also played a role in the State Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the execution of Roger Casement which was held at Glasnevin Cemetery.
There, he read extracts from Casements’ trial, as part of the ceremony.
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