Tom Crean honoured at passing-out ceremony

THE daughter of legendary Antarctic explorer Tom Crean was guest of honour yesterday at the passing-out parade at the Irish naval headquarters.

Mary Crean-O’Brien attended the ceremony after the naval service honoured her father by naming the recruit class after him.

Tom Crean was born near Annascaul, Co Kerry, in 1877.

He went on a number of expeditions to some of the coldest places on earth after joining the British navy at the age of 15.

He went with Captain Scott on the Terra Nova expedition from 1911-1913, to try to be first to reach the South Pole. But their hopes were dashed when Norwegian Roald Amundsen beat them.

During that expedition, Tom Crean’s 35-mile solo walk across the Ross Ice Shelf to save the life of a colleague earned him an Albert Medal.

After retiring, he opened the South Pole pub in Annascaul. He died, aged 61, in 1938.

His 89-year-old daughter, Mary, accompanied by her son, Brendan, said she was honoured to attend the ceremony.

“If my father could see me now, he’d be delighted and very proud,” she said.

She presented 19-year-old Amy Roberts with the award for being the best recruit in the class of 29.

“She congratulated me on the achievement. It was a privilege for me to have the presentation made by her. Who knows in years to come the naval service might mount a mission to Antarctic. I’d love to go and follow in the footsteps of Tom Crean,” Ms Roberts said.

Commodore Frank Lynch, flag officer commanding the naval service, said it was a great honour to have Mrs Crean-O’Brien as a guest.

“Her father was one of Ireland’s true naval heroes and we’re very proud that our latest graduating recruit class has been permitted to bear his name.”

Four women and 25 men passed out as Ordinary Seamen at the ceremony held at Haulbowline, Co Cork.

The Commandant of the Naval College, Commander Mark Mellett, told the recruits that they had volunteered to serve their country.

“They have come through an arduous training schedule and they now stand on the first step of their naval careers,” he said.

The new naval seamen will enjoy some well-earned leave before they begin their specialist training in such jobs as seaman gunners, in communications, mechanics and logistics.