Anthony Browne, A Hero Remembered
On Thursday 9th July 2015, Flanagan’s Field, the beautiful community garden in Fatima hosted a very special memorial day. Private Anthony Browne, who was a soldier in the Irish Army was born and reared in Fatima. He was part of a 33rd Battalion and was peace keeping in the Congo when his division was ambushed and he lost his life. Private Anthony Browne was remembered by past and present Army personal at a very moving ceremony. In a fitting tribute location, Flanagan’s Field is situated on the spot where Anthony Browne house used to stand. A plaque and a bench were unveiled to the public for this very brave young man who died so young.
When I arrived there was two separate lines filled with ex-Army personal, The Irish United Veterans Association, who proudly showed off their ability to work as a team, as they did back in their day, not one person made an error in their parade. They all synced greatly together as one unit. There were also members of the current peacekeeping force to honour a fallen comrade. There was at least 30 ex-Army personal, who each had their own story to tell, two of them, John O Mahoney and Dennis Pierce, spoke fondly of Private Anthony Browne.
The day’s events followed thusly:
1.30 pm The National Flag was lowered to half mast
2 pm The Event began
2.15 pm Colour Party and musicians began their contributions
2.30 pm Introduction of Guest Speakers
2.30 pm Unveiling of Plaque and bench
Blessing and prayer service by Father Fergal Mac Donagh, P.P
2.45 pm Laying of wreaths
One Minute Silence
Drum Beat followed by Pipers Lament
Bugler played “The Last Post”, National Colour’s dipped
3 pm National Flag Raised to Full Mast
Bugler played “Reveille”
Piper played “Amhrain Na Bhfainn”
3.05 pm Ceremony Concludes
3.10 pm Portrait Unveiling and presentations in the F2 Centre in Fatima.
The weather was beautiful making it more inviting to marvel the growth of Flanagan’s Field. One could see how hard Dougie, and all the team of Volunteers work to keep this place in tip top condition.
There were some members of his family at this ceremony who laid flower wreaths for their loved one. Alan and Josh who are apart of Anthony Browns family tree unveiled the plaque and the bench, and then they laid a wreath in his honour. This was closely followed by other army personal laying more wreaths. After the ceremony, the piper then went out to the front main gates and led a slow march to the local F2 Centre where tea and coffee awaited the hundred or so people who tuned up to support this wonderful ceremony.
It was in the F2 centre where there were tables and chairs set up, with tables set up with sandwiches, wraps, tea, coffee on offer to anyone who wished to take them. Once inside, three awards were given out one of those awards went to the volunteers who make Flanagan’s Field a possibility. This is not the first time, for Flanagan’s Field to get an award, nor will it there be last, for all the fabulous work they do in our area.
Local TDs and Councillors were out in force including the new Lord Mayor of Dublin Criona Ni Dhalaigh, and her colleague Aengus O’ Snodaigh, also there was representatives People Before Profit, Tina McVeigh.
It was a lovely day and with events like this happening and bringing people together, it makes you want to shout from roof tops that I am from Fatima, and or from Dublin 8.
Also anyone can drop down to Flanagan’s, Community Garden opening times to look at the bench and or the plaque. The Field is just off Ruben Street in Fatima, Dublin 8.
The team at the F2 Centre here in Fatima did a great job. The people from Flannigan’s field would like to thank Dublin City Council for supporting the day and providing the spread. 
Anthony Browne was engaged to my mother at the time, Elizabeth Mary Nolan, I have recently learned more about Anthony and am sorry I never had the privledge to meet him.
My mother has passed away about 7 years ago.