The Irish Defence Forces Podcast

Finally, in episode 5 our participants discuss the outstanding service of Air Corps personnel throughout the last century. Their stories depict some of the most dangerous and challenging missions faced by our Air Corps crews. These stories are not without tragedy, and participants share first hand accounts of the difficult and unfortunate events that have led to the loss of Air Corps personnel during their service.

In Episode four our discussion explores the variety of the job with the Irish Air Corps, from airshows to Hollywood movies. Many of our interviewees recount how witnessing air shows as children, influenced their decision have a carreer with the Air Corps. The epsiode also delves into the life on base at Casement Aerodrome and how sports and music were a integral part of Baldonnel life. 

Episode 3 focuses on the aircraft manned by the Air Corps and its evolution over the past century, from the first Air Corps aircraft to the modern fixed wing planes and helis utlised today. The discussion examines their capabilities, functions and roles, in particular, OIC Air Corps Brigadier General O'Connor discusses the PC-12s and their vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode 2Our discussion focuses on the induction process and the training of our personnel. Members share their own experiences of the application process and training they received during their military development and education, from recruit to airmen and airwomen. The episode recounts experiences from 1940's to current classes of cadets and recruits.

As we mark the Air Corps 100 celebrations, this special series will provide a detailed history of the Air Corps and acknowledge the great work of its members throughout the last century. The Air Corps is rich in history and thanks to the hard work of our very own Air Corps historian Cpl Mick Whelan and the Military Archives Oral History Program, especially Noelle Grothier, they have been able to capture this information for generations to come.Throughout the 5 Podcasts you’ll hear personal accounts about the key functions of the Air Corps, the personnel, the aircraft, the Air Corps and aviation community and finally the most significant moments throughout the history of the Air Corps.Episode 1The Air Corps has been the focal point and foundation for many aviation firsts here in Ireland. In episode 1, the topics of air ambulance missions, Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime patrols provide an insight into day to day operations.The current General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, alongside various retired and serving members of the Air Corps recount their experiences and stories from their period of service. Their personal stories of the really interesting missions the Air Corps has taken part in, provide an authentic insight into this great organisation.

In this, the 7th and final episode of Season 4 we speak to three members of the 1st Mechanised Infantry Company about the recent Infantry Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) upgradeLieutenant Shay Byrne (Acting APC Captain) , Sergeant Deccie Conroy (APC Sergeant), Private Evan Lynch (APC Crewman) talk to us about their experiences, both at home and overseas, operating our Infantry Armoured Personnel Carrier. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch.

In today's episode we speak to Comdt Gavin Egerton and Lt Rory Behan about the the largest Corps of the Irish Army, the Infantry Corps. We discuss its history, its various roles and learn about the newly relaunched Infantry Ethos and Infantry Principles.Read more about the Infantry Ethos: https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/army/army-corps/infatnry-corps/infantry_principles_and_history.pdfThe Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch.

In this episode we speak to Lieutenant Colonel Tom Freyne (Officer Commanding the Army Equitation School), Second Lieutenant Michaeli Byrne (Riding Officer), Corporal Barry Kehoe (Groom and Acting Yard Sergeant) to discuss the career opportunities available in the Army Equitation School based in McKee Barracks, Dublin.  The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch.

On today’s show we speak to Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy and take a look back at some big items from his first year in office. Our conversation ranges from Defence Forces operations both at home and overseas, implementing recommendations from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, organisation culture, recruitment and retention. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch.