merrion street

Minister congratulates five newly commissioned pilot officers

Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., today (Thursday, 5 October 2017) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 33rd Air Corps Cadet Class at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

The 33rd Air Corps Cadet Class comprised of five Cadets, Aidan Higgins, Eoin Blake, Niall Mullarkey, Oisín Murtagh, and Patrick Doherty.  All five were commissioned as Air Corps officers in the rank of Second Lieutenant following the completion of a 36 month Cadetship.

Addressing the five 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 will all 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.” 

As the occasion marked the first ministerial engagement since the appointment of Brigadier General, Sean Clancy as Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Minister Kehoe took the opportunity to congratulate him stating that he possessed all the leadership qualities necessary to perfect his duties and wished him well in the role. 

Minister Kehoe also acknowledged the staff of the Military College and the Flying Training School involved who prepared the cadets for duty as Air Corps officers “They deserve a special mention for the care and dedication, which they have brought to the task of developing and nurturing these young people for their future careers. The fruits of their labour stand before us today and they can be proud of the good work they have done”.