Tang Jadotville veteran celebrates 90th birthday at Ballymahon event
A Tang man with a remarkable life story, including service with the Irish Army in Jadotville, has celebrated his 90th birthday.
Joe O’Kane, originally from Camus, County Tyrone, just outside Strabane, has spent almost seven decades in the Athlone area and has become a much-loved member of the local community.
Born into a family of seven, Joe had one older sister and three older and two younger brothers.
His journey to Athlone began in 1958, when he moved to the town and joined the Irish Defence Forces.
It was also during those early years in Athlone that Joe met Anne, who would become his wife.
Joe went on to serve with the 35th Infantry Battalion and was among the Irish soldiers who travelled to the Congo as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
He was one of 150 men involved in the historic Jadotville deployment, where his battalion withstood a siege by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining corporations.
Image 1 of 5
Frank O’Kane, Aisling O’Kane, Anna O’Kane, Peter O’Kane and Mark O’Kane with Joe O’Kane and Anne O’Kane. Photos: Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 2 of 5
Richard O’Kane with Joe O’Kane and Anne O’Kane. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 3 of 5
Family and friends with Joe O’Kane and his wife Anne O’Kane as he celebrates his 90th birthday. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 4 of 5
Cian McEvoy, Eileen McEvoy and Joe McEvoy with Joe O’Kane and Anne O’Kane. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 5 of 5
Grandchildren Neil O’Kane, Gareth O’Kane, Lauren O’Kane, Aleesha O’Kane, Jamie O’Kane, Doireann Dempsey and Fodhla Dempsey with Joe O’Kane and Anne O’Kane. Photo Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Joe and Anne married in 1962 and raised three sons, Francis, Mark, and Peter.
He continued his military career for 21 years, serving in transport and with the Military Police.
He also served overseas in Cyprus as part of another United Nations mission before eventually retiring from the army.
However, retirement from military service was far from the end of Joe's working life.
He went on to work for Athlone-based Veedoil, delivering oil throughout Ireland. He remained with the company until he reached the age of 65.
Never one to sit idle, Joe then embarked on another career.
"Dad wasn't one to relax. He went driving taxis for Athlone Cab Company for about 10 years. After that he stopped and enjoyed retirement," Joe's son Peter said.
He and Anne are proud grandparents to Adam, Jamie, Neil, Lauren, Gareth and Aleesha, and beloved parents-in-law to Anna O'Kane and Aisling O'Kane.
The family has continued to grow, with Joe recently becoming a great-grandfather following the arrival of Jamie's son with his partner Emma, Henry.
Joe marked his milestone 90th birthday with a well-attended party in Cooney's Hotel in Ballymahon, on Saturday surrounded by friends and loving family.