Minister doubles as proud uncle to review the troops

On the double and seeing double: That was the order of the day as a proud uncle, who just happens to be the junior defence minister, watched his niece on a passing out parade for potential non-commissioned officers (NCOs).

Her twin sister, who is already a bit of a celebrity in the army, looked on.

Minister Paul Kehoe reviewed the parade of 37 at Collins Barracks, Cork, yesterday, which included niece Shelley Kehoe, a member of the All-Ireland-winning Wexford camogie team.

Also watching was twin sister Stacy, who is on the same team and starred in the RTÉ series Recruits.

Mr Kehoe said he was proud of all the troops on parade, describing them as “tomorrow’s leaders in the field”.

Many of those at the passing out parade are well-known in sporting circles: Private Raymond Coady has an intermediate All-Ireland hurling medal with Kilkenny; Pte Julian O’Keefe, from the same county, is a basketball All Star; and Pte Shane Sherlock, Cork, played in the European soccer championships with the Defence Forces.

“Anyone involved in sport brings great team leadership and fitness to the table which is very important to the Defence Forces,” said Mr Kehoe.