Naval recruits take oath of allegiance

NAVAL recruits have taken an oath of allegiance for the first time since the recruitment embargo came into force two years ago.

A total of 38 recruits, who included three women, took the oath at the parade ground at the navy’s headquarters in Haulbowline, Co Cork, yesterday afternoon.

The navy received 1,143 applications for the 38 jobs.

Each of the four provinces was represented in the line-up, with two recruits coming from Belfast and Armagh.

Cork had the highest representation with Dublin in second place.

The recruits will now undergo an intensive 17-week course before becoming able seamen and they would expect to be serving at sea within the next six months.

After their initial 17-week course they will then be offered the chance to undertake specialist courses in mechanics, logistics and communications.

The current strength of the Naval Service is around 1,000. Some of the recruits will be looking forward to serving in ships which the Government has ordered to replace ageing vessels.

The Government recently signed contacts with Babcock Marine in Devon to build replacements for the LÉ Emer and LÉ Aoife.

A Naval Service spokesman said the ships would be built to the same specifications as the LÉ Roisin, but slightly larger. Babcock Marine built the LÉ Roisin and LÉ Niamh, which are the most modern of the navy’s eight serving vessels.

Picture: WELCOME ABOARD: From left, Denis Cummins and Alan Lynch, Dublin, Aaron O’Neill and Christopher Mulholland, Armagh, and Killian Cronin, Mallow, Co Cork, during their swearing in before Lt Ronan McLoughlin. Picture: Dan Linehan