Collins Barracks passing-out parade includes grandnephew of Irish soldier killed in Congo

Trooper Patrick Mullins, was killed in an ambush by mercenaries in 1961 and his body was never recovered

Brig Gen Brian Cleary speaks to Pte Daisy Byrne at the passing-out parade. Picture: David Creedon

The grandnephew of a soldier whose body was never found after he was killed in a battle in the Congo and a man who is the fifth generation of his family to join the army were among 41 personnel who marched at a passing-out parade at Collins Barracks in Cork.

Trooper Eamonn Dwane, from Togher, was one of those who passed the 24th Potential NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) course. His granduncle, Trooper Patrick Mullins from Kilbeheny, Co Limerick, was killed during an ambush by mercenaries in the Congo on September 15, 1961. His body has never been recovered.

Trooper Patrick Mullins was killed during an ambush by mercenaries in the Congo in 1961. 

Eamonn said it is unlikely that Patrick’s remains will ever be discovered, but he was proud to be getting promoted at the event, held in the same barracks where his late ancestor was recruited and trained.

Another on the way up the ranks is Trooper Brandon Griffin from Fermoy, who is the fifth generation of his family to serve in the Defence Forces.

Fermoy was once a large garrison town and Brandon maintains that he is not unique in this regard.

“There must be 20 or 30 families from that area who can probably claim the same,” he said.

Pte Ryan Duggan, Trooper Brandon Griffin, and Trooper Eamonn Dwane at Collins Barracks, Cork. Picture: David Creedon

Private Ryan Duggan from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, was also proud to point out his family’s military heritage.

“My grandfather Mossie O’Connor served on the guard of honour when President John F Kennedy came to Ireland in 1963. There’s a picture of him at the time hanging in this very barracks,” Ryan said.

There was just one woman in the promotions batch, and she had a double reason to be smiling broadly.

Signalwoman Daisy Byrne beamed for the cameras with her partner Frankie Touhy, who is a sergeant in the barracks. The couple have just bought a house in Killeagh, Co Cork.

Pte Daisy Byrne with her parents Sandra and Billy Byrne and Sgt Frankie Touhy at the passing-out ceremony. Picture: David Creedon

Among the cohort was also a soldier who had left the army and then rejoined.

Nicky Lawless from Galway first served between 2001 and 2004. He rejoined when the upper age limit for entry was increased and the now 43-year-old donned the uniform again in 2020.

Pte Nicky Lawless from Galway with Brigadier General Brian Cleary at Collins Barracks. Picture: David Creedon

"I always regretted leaving and I wanted to rejoin. I missed the camaraderie. There's no job like this," he said.

The parade was addressed by Officer Commanding 1 Brigade Brigadier General Brian Cleary, who congratulated the personnel for passing the training course, which started on February 19.

Pte Seán Whelan with his mother Lorraine at the passing-out ceremony. Picture: David Creedon

He told them they could be proud of completing the "intensive and demanding" training and could stand proud of what they had achieved.

The senior officer said it was a "landmark day" for all 41 personnel and it was their "first step to becoming leaders in the army".

Brig Gen Cleary also thanked their families for the support they had given the troops. 

Pte Dan Kinneen, Pte Nicky Lawless, Pte Larry Nee, Pte Jordan Connolly, Pte Paddy Briggs, and Pte Lar Walsh. Picture: David Creedon

There were around 150 family members who turned up to see the passing-out parade.

The objectives of the course are to develop and enhance leadership ability and provide the personnel with essential instructor skills and techniques to prepare them mentally, morally, and physically to transition from being a private soldier to becoming a non-commissioned officer.