VIDEO: Naval service in ship shape for passing out parades

New recruits at their passing out parade must realise they are entering the Irish Naval Service at probably the most exciting time in its history.

The newly-enlisted 41 men and two women will be working in a fleet which is the most modern in its history.

The €53m LÉ Samuel Beckett is already in service; LÉ James Joyce is due to arrive shortly and another new ship will sail into Haulbowline next year.

Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service Hugh Tully took the salute from the new recruits yesterday as proud families looked on.

In attendance was Monica O’Sullivan, niece of Irish-born Captain Tom Donohue of the famous ship Kerlogue, which rescued many British and German sailors during the Second World War.

The recruit class, named in honour of Capt Donohue, had completed 19 weeks of training.

The best recruit award went to Ordinary Seaman Shane Downey, 25, from Gurranabraher in Cork City. He’s a qualified sheet metal fabricator and will continue his training in the communications branch.

Recruits throw their caps in the air at their passing out parade.

He said he was really thrilled to be joining the navy at a time when it’s getting such modern ships, but added: “I won’t complain if I don’t get one as I’ve wanted to do this ever since I was at school.”

He was standing next to senior chief petty officer Dan Fawsitt, who joined in 1979 when the naval service was lucky to get a new ship every 10 years. “The modern ships are so fit for purpose. They are safer, more confortable and have more endurance.”

Gary O’Connor, 26, won the award for best shot, and has opted for a career in the navy’s engineering branch.

Meanwhile, Darren Lawlor, 27, scooped the award for best kit. The Kildare man is also pursuing a career in the communications branch.

The recruit class also gave up their time to organise and perform a charity rowathon in aid of the Friends of Cobh Hospital, raising €2,765, which was presented to the charity yesterday.

Meanwhile, 130 soldiers from the 48th Infantry Group were training in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow yesterday in preparation for their deployment to the UN Disengagement Observation Force based in the Golan Heights

next month, taking over duties from the 46th Infantry who have been serving with UNDOF since October.