Naval recruits raise €3,000 for charity

THE parade ground at the navy’s headquarters was taken over by 28 proud young men and women yesterday for their passing out parade.

The officer commanding naval operations, Captain James Robinson DSM, took the salute from the recruits, who had completed a demanding 16-week course at Haulbowline, Co Cork.

Three women were among the two classes which passed out, bringing the total female strength in the navy to 80.

Cork, with 19 recruits, had the largest representation with Kerry, three, coming in second.

Recruits also came from Tipperary, Limerick, Donegal, Galway and Waterford.

“During their training the group actively fundraised for their chosen charity People in Need. Their efforts resulted in €3,000 being raised,” a naval spokesman said. The recruits undertook physical education, parade training, weapon training, sea survival and seamanship skills.

After a short break they will embark on more specialised training in communications technology, logistics, gunnery and marine engineering.

The award for best recruits in the two classes went to John Patterson from Cobh and Owen O’Sullivan from Co Cork. Seán Power from Kenmare, Co Kerry, and Daniel Gallagher from Donegal town won the best kit category while the best shots were Darrell Ward from Tuam, Co Galway, and Alan Osbourne from Cobh.

Commodore Frank Lynch is inviting all former members of the force to an open-day at Haulbowline on Saturday, August 28.

From 11am-4pm tours of the base and some of the newer ships will be organised and entertainment will be laid on for children.