The Irish Defence Forces Podcast

Episode Two explores Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations with a focused discussion on the use of Manual Neutralisation Techniques (MNT). This episode provides insight into the specialist skills, training, decision-making, and risk management involved in employing hands-on techniques to safely render explosive threats safe. Through expert discussion, it highlights the professionalism, precision, and operational discipline required of EOD teams in complex and high-risk environments.

This episode offers an insight into the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Teams' participation in Exercise Northern Challenge displaying specialist skills, international cooperation and operational readiness combined with a team performance that led to the Irish Defence Forces EOD Team being voted as the Best Team for 2025.

Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy recently sat down with Captain Tony Smith of the Defence Forces Press Office to introduce himself as the newly appointed Defence Forces Chief of Staff. In this special iteration of the Defence Forces podcast the Chief of Staff discusses his career to date, current issues and provides insights into on going projects within the Defence Forces. Lieutenant General Mulcahy then goes on to discuss his plans and vision for the Defence Forces of the future.

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.