Offaly trio commissioned

Three Offaly men were commissioned as new army officers at a ceremony in Dublin Castle recently.

This is the first time in the history of the state that a Commissioning Ceremony has taken place in Dublin Castle.

Cadet Ciaran Feeney from Clonbullogue, Cadet Mark Kennedy from Daingean and Cadet Gavin Smyth from Portarlington were among 78 cadets who successfully completed a 15 month cadetship, preparing them to take up appointments as junior leaders throughout the Army, Air Corps and the Armed Forces of Malta.

Cadet Feeney (23) is son of Mary O’Brien and Michael Feeney and has three brothers. He had previous service before joining the Cadetship, having spent time as a 3 Star Private in the 12 BN, Limerick. He was transferred to the Infantry Weapons Wing, DFTC prior to being offered his Cadetship. He represented the Cadet School in the Falling Plates shooting competition and was selected as part of a team to represent The Defence Forces in a march and shoot competition in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Cadet Mark Kennedy (26) is the son of Kevin and Jane Kennedy. He graduated from AIT Athlone with an honours degree in Business, Sport and Tourism Management. Prior to being awarded his Cadetship, Mark represented AIT in the All-Ireland Colleges Rugby Championship. He was part of a successful team, winning three national titles during his four years at AIT. During his Cadetship Mark has represented the Cadet School at the Defence forces indoor athletics and boxing championships. He also played a vital role in creating the cadet School rugby team and captained the side.

Cadet Gavin Smyth is from Portarlington, and is 21 years of age. He is son to Colin and Carol Smyth. He studied Aircraft Systems in Institute of Technology Carlow while completing two years in the course prior to being awarded his cadetship.