Camogie star happy to see women’s role in Army grow

While the first women only officially joined the Army as non-combatants in 1980, their involvement in the Defence Forces goes back to the foundation of the State, when Brigid Lyons Thornton played a role in establishing the Army Medical Corps.

Women were only allowed to serve as nursing and medical staff up to the establishment of the short-lived Women’s Service Corps in January 1980, when they began to train and serve in conventional military roles.

Women proved so adept that their non-combatant role was withdrawn in 1992.

Unlike some other Western armies, there are no restrictions on the appointments open to women in the Defence Forces and they have served in some very dangerous positions and places.

The Defence Forces have had a female deputy battalion commander in Chad; women bomb-disposal personnel; heavy-vehicle mechanics; snipers; armoured personnel carrier drivers; ship’s captains; and pilots

A Defence Forces spokesman said it “is a testament both to the progress of the organisation and moreover to the enormous contribution made by the Women of Óglaigh na hÉireann during the past 34 years”.

Although still small in number, the Defence Forces have been increasing the percentage of female personnel over the past 30 years.

Corporal Gemma O’Connor is one role model the Army is proud of; and she’s not only well-known in the Defence Forces but on GAA pitches throughout the country.

Gemma, currently serving as an instructor in the 1st Brigade Training Centre in Cork, is a five-times All Ireland camogie medal holder. She’ll be hoping for a sixth medal with Cork this year, but her team will first have to overcome Wexford in the semi-final on August 23.

Gemma has been deployed overseas in Liberia, Chad, and Lebanon.

“It’s definitely a job with a difference. There’s a sense of pride, camaraderie, teamwork, and motivation. Women can definitely hold their own with men in the Defence Forces,” said Gemma who joined the Army 11 years ago.

“I think targeting schools [for new female recruits] is a great idea.”

Although single, she said she would welcome more family-friendly policies in the Defence Forces to encourage more women to join up.

Meanwhile, just to encourage more new recruits — male or female — it was pointed out that there is a huge educational plus in joining the Defence Forces. They will pay to educate recruits from Leaving Certificate up to a master’s.