merrion street

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe,T.D., today (Friday, 29 July 2016) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 32nd Air Corps Cadet Class at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

The 32nd Air Corps Cadet Class comprised of 9 Cadets, Anthony Candon, Paul Chaloner, Colm Dowling, Jamie Bray, Niall Dungan, Tadhg Firman, Christopher Jevens, Colm Keena and Joseph Ward.

Addressing the 9 newly commissioned Air Corps officers, Minister Kehoe said “As pilot officers of the Air Corps each of you has chosen a very challenging and demanding career – but one that is also very fulfilling and rewarding. I hope that you all will enjoy the many positive and enjoyable aspects of military life. Foremost amongst these are the comradeship, the challenges and the very high level of job satisfaction that comes from leading and serving others.”

Minister Kehoe also acknowledged the contribution the Cadet Class made during this year’s 1916 Centenary Commemorations. “….some members of 32nd Cadet Class were part of the 100 strong body of Air Corps personnel who marched through Dublin on Easter Sunday. Other members of the Class participated in flypasts on Easter Monday over Cork City and over Enniscorthy where I had the privilege of seeing them firsthand”.

Minister Kehoe also marked out for special mention the staff of the Military College and the Flying Training School involved in preparing these cadets for officer duty ‘for the care and dedication which they have brought to the task of developing and nurturing these young people for their future careers.’