The premature death on October 27th of Comdt Peter Young, officer in charge of the Military Archives, cut short a life that was marked by extraordinary achievement as well as by great promise. Indeed, he left the work which he had overseen for so long poised for yet another major development which is eagerly anticipated by all who knew him.
Born in Dublin in 1950 into a military tradition - his father was a Divisional Officer during the Emergency, and also rose to the rank of Commandant - he was educated at Rockwell College, where he developed a passion for rugby. This was to last throughout his Army career, involving him in the Eastern Command Rugby Team and, later, Barnhall RFC in many different capacities. His military career started in 1968, when he joined as a cadet. He formed part of the first group to attend University College, Galway, beginning in 1969. He took his degree in 1972 in history, philosophy and English: history was to be his abiding passion.
On commissioning, he became a Platoon Commander in the 12th Infantry Battalion in Clonmel, and almost immediately spent a tour of duty in the Sinai desert after the Yom Kippur War. He later served in the Lebanon as an Operations Officer in UNIFIL headquarters in 1980. In 1976, he was assigned to the Army Press Office at headquarters, a posting where training and contacts were to serve him well in later years. Simultaneously, he successfully completed the graduate diploma in archival studies at UCD, initiated a survey of suitable material within the Defence Forces, and in 1982 took over responsibility for a renewed and reinvigorated archives section.
His training and natural inclinations made him a superb archivist in at least two respects. In the military context, his familiarity with operational matters made him an invaluable guide through a maze of often sensitive papers, where his judgment was surefooted and always influenced by his sense of the value of openness. Professionally, he always managed the archives under his control with a view to ensuring maximum accessibility. In Cathal Brugha Barracks, he encouraged visitors from all walks of life: school-children, journalists, historians and filmmakers. The projected move of the Military Archives to Collins Barracks was planned not least in view of the greater possibilities of public access to an impressive and growing collection. The overall thrust of his archival policies can also be seen in the seminars and exhibitions which he organised on military and defence topics: in this sense, he acted as a sort of unofficial ambassador for the Defence Forces in many spheres.
His stature was recognised early on by fellow-archivists at home and abroad, where he was a welcome speaker at international conferences. In collaboration with the National Archives of Ireland, the Military Archives recently prepared a strategic plan for future development. His growing reputation - and boundless energy - led to the acquisition, by the Military Archives, of many important collections of private papers. He was a valued member of the Council of the Military History Society of Ireland, and was closely involved with the recently formed Military Heritage Trust, which has an important all-Ireland dimension.
His encyclopaedic memory and organisational gifts ensured that his activities were not confined to the archives. He acted as liaison officer for the Defence Forces with the makers of both Michael Collins and Braveheart.
Here, his concern for historical accuracy, and for the welfare of Army personnel involved, ensured that not all the battles that took place were on screen.
He acted as Honorary Secretary for the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund for a number of years.
His family life - movingly described by his son Peter at his funeral - was central to him. In the area around his home his name was a byword for selfless community service to a wide range of voluntary organisations where his legendary enthusiasm and good humour were highly valued.
Although he achieved an extraordinary amount in his 30 years of public service, he died with even greater possibilities opening in front of him. His professional and military colleagues will be concerned to ensure that the future provides him with an adequate memorial.
In 1972 he married Annette Dunne, who survives him. He is also survived by their four children: Eoghan, Ronan, Anne-Marie and Peter.