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.