Great-granddaughter of Michael Collins' bodyguard among Navy's latest female recruits

Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Commodore Michael Malone with some of the new recruits at the passing out parade in Haulbowline Naval Base. Photo: David Jones, Naval Service Photographer

A record number of women were among the latest group of recruits to graduate to ordinary ratings in the Naval Service, including one whose great-grandfather was a bodyguard for General Michael Collins.

The nine women were among a 28-strong recruit class who took part in a 'passing out parade' at the Naval Service headquarters at Haulbowline Island, after completing 23 weeks of intensive training.