RIP: Tributes pour out for 'Battle of Jadotville' veteran from Tipperary
Puckane man John Foley received the ‘An Bonn Jadotville’ medal in recognition of his service in 2017
Tributes have been paid this week to Puckane man Sean O'Foghlú (John Foley), who passed away after a hard fight in University Hospital Limerick, on Monday afternoon 9th November 2026.
John was among 49 veterans of the United Nations Congo mission to receive the specially commissioned ‘An Bonn Jadotville’ medal in recognition of their service.
A retired Company Quartermaster Sergeant with the Irish Defence Forces, John served in the Congo as a young Corporal with No. 3 Platoon, 'A' Company. He was among a number of local men deployed to the war-torn African country during the 1960s.
The medal was presented to surviving veterans of the Battle of Jadotville, which took place in Katanga, Belgian Congo, between September 13 and 17, 1961. The presentation was made by Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, recognising the service and sacrifice of those who took part in the historic mission.
He is predeceased by loving wife Betty and will be remembered as the beloved dad of his cherished children John, Liam, Michelle and Sinead. He will be sadly missed by his brother Jimmy and sisters Anne, Patricia & Teresa. Grandchildren & great - grandchildren, sons in law, Garrett and Gerry and daughters in law Lisa and Sheila. Brothers in law, sisters in law, Nieces, nephews cousins, relatives neighbours and a wide circle of relatives, ex veterans, and friends.
Reposing at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Nenagh (E45 KN93), this Thursday 12th November , from 5pm to 7pm. His remains will arrive at St.Patrick's Church, Puckane, on Friday 13th November for Requiem Mass at 11 o’clock, followed by burial in Monsea Graveyard.