DE hÍDE, Dubhglas [Hyde, Douglas. Fórsaí Cosanta na hÉireann do Chonchubhar Ó Riain. An elaborate printed certificate, foolscap, entirely in Irish, signed by Dubhglas De hÍde, Uachtarán na hÉireann [President of Ireland], and also by Éamon de Valera (Taoiseach) and Oscar Mac Tréinfhir [Traynor], Minister for Defence, dated 18 Meithimh [June] 1945, appointing Conchubhar Ó Riain [Conor Ryan] as Second Lieutenant in the Defence Forces.

With embossed harp stamp and elaborate printed Celtic border, a little creased but generally in very good condition. Issued a few weeks after the end of the war in Europe. A rare combination of signatures.

The Defence Forces trace their origins to the Irish Volunteers, founded in 1913. Their official Irish-language title, Óglaigh na hÉireann, is taken from the equivalent Irish-language title of the Irish Volunteers, as are their cap badge and the buttons worn on ceremonial uniforms (the buttons are still marked with the initials “IV”).
Certificate made out to Conor O’Ryan in recognition of his “loyalty to Ireland and steadfastness to the Constitution and with great confidence in your courage, honour, integrity, and understanding ... .” Issued under the Official Seal of the Irish Republic on this 18th day of June, 1945.

[Cat 161]