Offaly soldier takes part in 'passing out' ceremony

A Tullamore soldier was one of a 28-strong 3 Star Private platoon who marked the completion of an intensive 20-week training course for the 62nd Potential Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) with a passing-out ceremony in Custume Barracks Athlone.

Pte Eric Murtagh was joined by family members and friends in Custume Barracks for the ceremony as he marked his progression in the army to the rank of Corporal. The Tullamore soldier is now deemed to be a recognised junior leader in the Defence Forces.

The new Corporal was under the guidance of 2 Brigade Training Centre Officer Commanding Commandant William Bastic and 2 Brigade Training Centre 2nd in Command Captain Tara Khan, who served as chief instructor for the 20-week training course duration.

New military horizons now await the Tullamore soldier as he looks to advance his career in the Defence Forces.

Pte Murtagh Said he felt "extremely proud" following the passing out ceremony.

The Tullamore soldier has served for over ten years in the Defence Forces and is looking forward to continuing his progression in a leadership role.Reflecting on the 20 week course, Pte Murtagh said the return to training refocused his mind."Initially, it was difficult to adapt to the training but once you got into a flow you aimed to raise your military standards to the level required to enable you get through the course," Pte Murtagh said.

A member of the 2 Ordnance Corps in Custume Barracks, Pte Murtagh is ready to embrace the opportunities which will arise in his new rank as Corporal.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity ahead. It will be good, a different step and with it, new responsibilities," Pte Murtagh added.

The soldiers' graduation to the rank of Corporal was marked with the presentation of a scroll of recognition to each by Brigadier General Stephen Ryan.

In his address, the Brigadier General congratulated the soldiers for their "collective efforts" over the 20-week training course. He said the the soldiers "represented the best in all that is good and positive about the Defence Forces and our country".

"This is a momentous day for you and the members of the Athlone-based training depot who oversaw this 20-week course. You are qualified as Corporals and your careers as junior leaders in the Defence Forces as officially started," Brigadier General Ryan said.

The Brigadier General highlighted the diversity within the training group, many of whom were from different units in the Defence Forces.

"The majority of you will return to infantry units, but there also soldiers on this course who are attached to ordnance, medical and artillery sections of our Defence Forces. It is great to see the broad depth and breadth of the Defence Forces represented by this group," the Brigadier General added.

Brigadier General Ryan commended the soldiers for completing the "long and arduous" course, "proving to yourselves" and "proving to your instructors" that they were worthy of the rank of Corporal.

As the soldiers continue to progress their careers in the Defence Forces, the Brigadier General said it was important to remember the Defence Forces values of "physical and moral courage, loyalty, loyalty to the State, loyalty to the Defence Forces, loyalty to your unit and comrades, selflessness and integrity".

"You are all now junior leaders and I hope that this is the start of a long and enjoyable career in the NCO rank. In your role, you must set an example for the junior soldiers who you will be training in the future," the Brigadier General stated.