The Kildare branch of the National Federation of Irish Ex-Servicemen held their first annual dinner in the Railway Hotel, Kildare, on Sunday last. The dinner was attended by Messrs. P. Maguire and S. Quinn, National Executive representatives, and by representatives from the Regular Army, Old I.R.A. and members of the Ballyshannon Pipe Band.
The Branch Chairman (Mr. Boner) proposed a toast, wishing success to the Federation.
Mr. Quinn, seconding, said that the Federation expected the support of all ex-servicemen and deserved to be on as sound a footing as other ex-service organisations in the country. As ex-members of the Irish Army, no ex-soldier should have the slightest doubt about his status or the part his organisation was entitled to play in the cultural and social life of the country.
Mr. Maguire, who also spoke, said that the Federation was the youngest national organisation in the country. Great efforts had been made by certain ex-servicemen to build up the Federation. In particular he would like to mention the founder of the Federation, Councillor P. White. The Kildare branch was one of the strongest branches in the thirty-two counties and he hoped it would maintain that position.
Messrs. Kelly, B. Cullen and J. Kavanagh also spoke. An enjoyable musical evening followed.