It's somewhat ironic the Naval Service's commander spends most of his days on Haulbowline Island, just a stone's throw from Spike Island where three of his granduncles were interned in 1921 – and a fact he only found out two years ago.

Recognition of their relatives’ role was warmly welcomed by families of Cork’s Irish Volunteers and Cumann na mBan members in 1916 and the War of Independence.