Local soldiers outline importance of family support at passing out ceremony

The support of family was key to success for a number of local soldiers who achieved the rank of corporal at a passing out ceremony in Custume Barracks, Athlone, on Friday, May 30

A total of 41 soldiers achieved the rank of corporal, bringing them into the ranks of non-commissioned officers (NCOs), after a 19-week training course.

For Tubber native, Cpl Olsen North, there was cause for a double celebration as he and his wife, Emer, recently welcomed the arrival of their first child, Alfie.

While Cpl North was undertaking the training course, baby Alfie arrived seven weeks prematurely, and he is now looking forward to spending some time off with his new son.

The family lives at The Orries, Athlone, and he and Emer welcomed Alfie into the world nine weeks ago.

"It came as a surprise," he said of Alfie's early birth during the training course, "but he's doing really well and he's healthy".

Cpl North joined the Defence Forces in 2012 and was stationed in Galway for three years before transferring to the 6th Infantry Battalion in Athlone. In 2017 he undertook a carpentry apprenticeship with the Army and transferred to the 2nd Field Engineers Corps in 2018, where he will remain after his promotion to the rank of corporal.

The course is newly-developed and was delivered over three modules.

The 41 soldiers who achieved the rank of corporal at the recent passing out ceremony were inspected by the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Brigade, Brigadier General Stephen Ryan.

Brig Gen Ryan told the families and friends of the soldiers: "The standards I have seen today are excellent, in terms of dress, deportment and the small bits of drills we saw is outstanding."

He said they had undertaken a long and arduous training course, which included night-time exercises, patrols, and light firing exercises.

"You deserve our thanks and gratitude. The efforts you put in were superb," he said. "You collectively represent everything that is good about Irish society and modern Ireland. You have a strong reputation to uphold at home and overseas."