Three local army recruits celebrate 'passing out' in Custume Barracks

Three local army recruits were among the 29-strong 35th ‘Pte Kelly’ 2-3 Star Platoon who completed their training and celebrated with a military parade in Custume Barracks, Athlone recently.

The recruits will now join units across the Defence Forces and continue their professional development to progress in their military careers.

The platoon was named after Pte Patrick Kelly from Moate who was killed in 1983 while on active service.

One local recruit was Pte Jordan Amos (23) from Glasson. According to Jordan, he was inspired by other people he knew who had joined the Defence Forces to become a soldier.

He said: “Training was tough but enjoyable in parts. I met new people from all over the country.”

Pte Amos cited the routine and having to have meals at certain times as difficult to adjust to when he first started training with the Defence Forces. He enjoyed firing different weapons and getting physically fit. Pte Amos said he was “over the moon” to be fully qualified as a soldier. “It feels like a long six months but it's paid off now.”

Pte Amos is currently stationed in Athlone and has future goals to undertake driving courses and to serve overseas.

Fellow recruit Stephen Buckley (25) from Clara, but who now lives in Athlone, said his little daughter Ellie motivated him to join the army as he wanted a better life for her.

Speaking about the training, Pte Buckley said it was “tough but good”.

“The whole training was a highlight. It was good meeting all different types of lads from all over the country and (they) end up becoming your best friends.”

He found it difficult to get used to the discipline associated with being in the Defence Forces. the worst part of the course for Pte Buckley was being away from his daughter and time management exercises.

Pte Buckley is the first in his family to go into the army and he is also interested in serving overseas. He is currently stationed at Custume Barracks, Athlone.

Speaking about the joy of being a new recruit, Pte Buckley said: “It feels brilliant. It was a hard six months away from the families. Then getting to put on a show for the families was brilliant.

Pte Keith Byrne (26) from Baylough, Athlone was the oldest recruit in the 35th ‘Pte Kelly’ 2-3 Star Platoon to complete his training. He said he applied a number of years ago when many of his friends were joining the army but wasn't accepted and then decided to train as a mechanic.

The former Athlone Community College student has been working as a mechanic for the past ten years and said he wanted to take a bigger step in his career. “With the help of an advertisement online, I took the opportunity and applied for the Defence Forces.”

He continued: “The training was very tough mentally and physically, It's probably one of the best things you'll ever do in your life. It's very rewarding. Little did I know how physical and mentally demanding this would be for myself compared to the younger lads. However, even through the toughest and darkest days I pulled myself through with the help of my buddies.”

Pte Byrne has a strong connection to the Defence Forces as two of his cousins and uncle have all served in the army along with his grandfather Dan O'Neill.

Speaking about the highlight of joining the army, Pte Byrne stated: “What I liked most about training was the days on Carnagh ranges because I have been shooting my whole life. I have always enjoyed shooting and that had benefited me in receiving the 'Best Shot' award during recruit training.

Pte Byrne is based at Custume Barracks in Athlone and hopes to be deployed overseas in the future.

Platoon Commander Lt Tara Khan congratulated the members of the 35th 2-3 star platoon. “In November 2022, I stood in front of a group of excited and apprehensive young men who were unsure of what to expect in the weeks ahead. They certainly delivered as today I see highly trained, professional, and capable soldiers, prepared for the demands of duty associated with service in the Defence Forces both at home and overseas.”

The late Pte Patrick Kelly's son David Kelly presented the certificates to the recruits.

According to David, it was fitting that his father be honoured by this platoon on the 40th anniversary of his death. He said that Patrick went down in history as the only Irish soldier to be killed at home since the end of the civil war.

Pte Kelly served for 14 years in the army and went on four overseas missions, three in Lebanon and one in Cyprus. Patrick's son David said: “I've been told many times that he was just an excellent soldier. I know he really enjoyed his army career. He got to meet so many fantastic people. He got to travel to different countries around the world.”

Pte Kelly was killed while on active service during a joint Army-Garda operation to find Don Tidley, a supermarket manager who was kidnapped and held captive by members of the provisional IRA.

He was formally recognised for his bravery in 2012

“To be present here today is very special. I'm thinking of my father when he passed out. I want to wish the soldiers who've passed out every success for their future army careers,” concluded David.

The platoon successfully completed 16 weeks of recruit training, the initial induction training for the Defence Forces, allowing them to move on to Three Star training.

The event took place in Custume Barracks, Athlone on Thursday, January 19.