100th Cadet Class & 12th Potential Officers Class Commissioning Ceremony
- Foilsithe: 28 Márta 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, and the Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 100th Cadet Class & 12th Potential Officers Class in the Military College, Defence Forces Training Centre, on Friday 28 March 2025.
Today represented the culmination of 17 months of training for the 100th Cadet Class, who began their training on 4 October 2023. Over this time, the Cadets completed several tactical exercises, academic blocks and intensive military training, as well as achieving sporting success. 35 Cadets received commissions today, on what is a very proud and special day for themselves and their family.
For the 12th Potential Officers Course, who have an average of 15 and a half years of service across the class, today represents the transition from Non-Commissioned Officers to Commissioned Officers. During their training they built on their years of experience through further tactical, military and academic training designed to prepare them for that change. Beginning their training on 29 April 2024, they have completed 11 months in the Cadet School and the 29 Potential Officers will commission today as Officers, with their families on what is a proud and special day.
The ARCO Sword, awarded to the best overall student in each class, was awarded to Lieutenant Iarlaith Morrin Laheen from the 100th Cadet Class and to Lieutenant Colm Hill from the 12th Potential Officers Class.
Both the Tánaiste and the Chief of Staff congratulated the newly commissioned officers and wished them well in their upcoming career as Officers of the Permanent Defence Forces.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris said:
“I want to sincerely congratulate the officers of the 100th Cadet Class and the 12th Potential Officers class, who have graduated today. Today is an important milestone for you all - the culmination of many months of arduous training, commitment and hard work.
“It’s also the start of a new chapter for you as new leaders of Óglaigh na hÉireann. It is you who our young soldiers, sailors and aircrew will turn to for advice, support and leadership.
“This is also a deeply proud day for your families. I want to thank them for the support and encouragement that they have shown you during what is an exciting career for you all in the Defence Forces.”
The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said:
"Comhgairdeas agus fáilte Oifigigh nua. Today is a special day where both Cadets and Potential Officers are awarded their commission on the same day. For our Cadets, today represents the beginning of your careers as leaders in Óglaigh na hÉireann and I hope you embrace the new opportunities ahead of you, uphold our values and contribute to the success of our organisation as it continues to grow into the future. For our Potential Officers, you are bringing a field of experience with you as you become Commissioned Officers, and I hope you will mentor your fellow Young Officers as well as continue to display the excellent leadership you have been doing until now. For both of you, this is the start of a new path, one you are prepared for thanks to your excellent training and I wish you the best as the future of Óglaigh na hÉireann."
Notes
One Cadet, 2/Lt Tomás Sherry, and one PO, Lt Colm Meade, carry family swords which were both carried from as early as 1922 by family members who served as Officers of the National Army.
Many POs have spouses and siblings serving, and received their First Salute from them during the ceremony.
2/Lt Irene Kellegher has two sisters currently serving, one as a Commissioned Officer and one as a junior cadet who is due to be commissioned next year.
Potential Officers commission as Second Lieutenants. On the day following their commissioning they will be promoted to Lieutenants if they held the rank of Corporal or Sergeant, and to Acting Captain if they held the rank of a Senior NCO; either Company Sergeant (CS) or Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS).