Leo Quinlan
Commandant Leo Quinlan, a distinguished retired Irish Army Officer, brings a legacy of valor and leadership to his endeavors. Son of Colonel Patrick Quinlan, renowned for commanding Irish troops during the historic Battle of Jadotville in 1961, Leo's military career spanned diverse landscapes from Ireland to Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
With a remarkable repertoire, Leo commanded a Ranger Company and spearheaded the design and leadership of the Irish Army's pioneering Special Assault Group. Notably, he mentored veterans of the Battle of Jadotville, with his father once serving as his Commanding Officer.
Transitioning from military service, Leo excelled as a Training Manager for a US Multinational Company in Ireland and the USA, and later as a Senior Consultant in Human Resource Development, extensively across Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Leo's recent endeavors include collaborations with the Kenyan Army, South African Police, and various European nations, focusing on Human Resource Development and Capacity Building.
A compelling speaker, Leo shares his insights on the Battle of Jadotville with audiences worldwide, engaging Officers, Troops, Veterans Associations, Educational Organizations, and Corporate sectors. His ongoing dialogue with the US War College reflects his commitment to preserving historical narratives.
In his current pursuits, Leo dedicates his time to writing, landscape painting, and captivating audiences through public speaking engagements.
As a Co-Founder of Moral Injury International, Leo champions initiatives spanning Moral Injury UK/Ireland and Moral Injury Australia, embodying a steadfast commitment to ethical consciousness and collective healing.
Marty O'Connor
Marty O'Connor is an impassioned advocate for mental health, a compelling Podcast Host, innovative Inventor, and prolific Writer, with a resilient spirit forged through the crucible of childhood trauma.
Raised amidst the storied landscapes of The Curragh Camp in County Kildare, Ireland, Marty is the proud descendant of a Jadotville Hero. Emigrating to Melbourne, Australia, he has emerged as a resounding voice not only in Australia but also in New Zealand, Canada, the UK, USA, Ukraine, Brussels, and his beloved Ireland, advocating for those grappling with moral injury worldwide.
His father's noble service, encompassing three tours in the Congo and five tours in Cyprus as a UN Peacekeeper, profoundly shaped Marty's worldview. Despite not serving in the military himself, he holds an honorary membership in the United Irish Ex-Services Association of Australia.
Marty's personal journey is marked by the profound impact of his father's tumultuous battle with alcoholism, which inflicted deep scars upon Marty, his mother, and siblings, including harrowing incidents of attempted murder-suicide. Drawing from these experiences, Marty fosters candid dialogues with fellow survivors, offering solace and support to those navigating the complexities of moral injury.
As a Co-Founder of Moral Injury International, Marty remains steadfast in his commitment to healing and advocacy, spearheading initiatives across Moral Injury UK/Ireland and Moral Injury Australia, empowering individuals worldwide to find solace, understanding, and redemption amidst their struggles.
Michael Lyons
Michael Lyons epitomizes a life dedicated to service, marked by a remarkable journey spanning continents and spheres of influence.
His tenure in the Irish Army from 1960 to 1966, including deployment to Cyprus with the UN 42nd Irish Battalion in 1965, laid the foundation for a life of unwavering commitment.
Transitioning from military service, Michael honed his skills as a motor engineer before embarking on a new chapter in Australia in 1970.
As a Radio and Podcast Presenter, Michael's passion for broadcasting earned him induction into the Radio 2SER Hall of Fame in 2011, recognizing three decades of dedicated service.
An active member of various veterans' associations, including the United Irish Ex-Services Association and the Australian Peacekeeping and Peacemakers Association, Michael's commitment to community welfare knows no bounds.
His illustrious career includes successful entrepreneurship in the automotive industry, followed by a transition to the realm of spiritual care, where he served as a lay Chaplain at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney for a decade.
A founding member of the ISA (Sydney Irish Welfare Bureau) and a pioneering director of Ireland Australia International Inc., Michael's leadership has left an indelible mark on the welfare landscape.
Recognized for his unwavering dedication, Michael was honored with the Dempsey Medal by the Archbishop of Sydney in 2019, a testament to his profound impact on the community.
With expertise in drug and alcohol abuse counseling and suicide prevention, Michael's contributions were further acknowledged when he was named Irish-Australian of the Year in 1993 for his tireless voluntary work and fundraising efforts.
Today, Michael continues to serve as a volunteer with the pastoral care team in his local parish and remains an integral part of the NSW Justice of the Peace Association volunteer team.
As a co-founder of Moral Injury International, Michael's legacy of compassion and service extends to Moral Injury UK/Ireland and Moral Injury Australia, fostering healing and support for those grappling with the complexities of moral injury.