Last January, we were saddened to announce the passing of former Joey’s student and PPU President, Liam Donnelly.
Born in Galway in 1928, Liam’s family came to Dublin and lived on Copeland Ave.
He attended primary school at Marino before secondary education in Joey’s.
He was 3rd in command at much reported Jadotville, Congo Incident (1961) and led the lobby to have bravery of unit formally recognised. This he achieved in 2016 and the making of a film was bonus.
He played on Leinster Colleges A Hurling Championship Winning Joeys teams (with brother Paddy) in 1942, 1943 and 1945.
He also played for St Vincent’s and winning All Ireland Minor Hurling and Football teams in 1945. Later played for Dublin in Senior Hurling & Football. Liam, Paddy and Sean Donnelly made up the entire Dublin Half Forward line in Hurling for a period.
Liam served 26 Years in the Army – reached Commandant. Post army, he served as CEO of Association of CPAs in Ireland.
His and Jadotville commander, Pat Quinlan’s, still unfinished business is to have medals for bravery awarded to those soldiers as recommended. The PPU Committee has advised the Minister of Defence and other public representatives of its support for the campaign for the award of medals to nominated members of “Jadotville A Company”, while there are still some alive to accept such recognition from the government of their country.
(Based on material provided by Paddy Walsh)