Joining the Irish Army

Gerry McMahon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 21/12/2016
Reference Code: IE_MA_MAC_006_MAOHP_004_E
Location(s): Limerick City
Length: 2.06

In this clip, Lieutenant General McMahon outlines his reasons for joining the Irish Army in 1953. He explains that he had no military background apart from his uncle Vinny who had been in the Free State Army. He outlines that when he was doing his Leaving Cert he was informed that 'only Doctor's sons or solicitors sons went to University'. He states that after being counselled by the Christian Brothers, he applied to several places for work including Shannon Airport, the ESB, CIE, Civil Service, An Garda Siochána and the Army. He was offered a Cadetship with the army, which his father advised him to take on the basis that it was 'a good job with a pension'.

Related Stories

Journey to Dublin in June 1940 to join the Irish Army

Art Magennis
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/06/2016
Location(s): Ardglass Cathal Brugha Barracks

Length: 3.38

In this clip, Commandant Magennis remembers that journey in June 1940 to Dublin and being taken to Cathal Brugha Barracks by his uncle Eamon, who was also in the Irish Army.

More

Heading for the Curragh across snow

Sean Norton
Interviewed for MAOHP - 30/01/2017
Location(s): Curragh Camp

Length: 0.59

In this clip, Colonel Norton recalls vividly the day he enlisted in the army. He remembers hitching to the Curragh Camp and walking across the plains on a very snowy night. He states; 'That was a very snowy winter's night and he [Seán's father] wouldn't drive me up to the...

More

Joining Irish Army (1947)

Paul Cushnan
Interviewed for MAOHP - 11/07/2017
Location(s): Custume Barracks

Length: 1.15

Retired Barrack Quarter Master Sergeant Paul Cushnan is a native of Athlone, whose father had been in the British army. Cushnan joined the Irish Army in 1947 and retired as Barrack Quarter Master Sergeant. In July 2017, Cushnan offered his memoires to the MAOHP. Here, he speaks about his joining...

More

Joining Air Corps – 1940

Jeremiah O’Connor
Interviewed for MAOHP - 15/02/2008
Location(s): Kenmare

Length: 2.59

In this clip (poor sound quality), Brigadier General Jeremiah O’Connor, a native of Kerry, records that in April 1940 his father opened a letter informing him that he had been called for the Air Corps on 07 May 1940. He recalls his father telling him while they were draining a...

More

Motivation to join army

Sean Norton
Interviewed for MAOHP - 30/01/2017
Location(s): Curragh Camp

Length: 1.23

Colonel Seán Norton enlisted in the Irish Army in January 1955 at the age of nineteen. Sixty-two years later, he sat down at Cathal Brugha Barracks to offer his memories to the MAOHP. In this clip, Colonel Norton outlines his decision to join the army and recalls always enjoying being...

More

First meal with the Irish Army – June 1940

Art Magennis
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/06/2016
Location(s): Cathal Brugha Barracks

Length: 2.29

In this clip, extracted from an interview undertaken in June 2016, Commandant Magennis recounts his first meal with the Irish Army after he enlisted in June 1940.

More

First Journey in Uniform

Art Magennis
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/06/2016
Location(s): Cathal Brugha Barracks

Length: 3.48

In this clip, extracted from an interview undertaken in June 2016, Commandant Magennis remembers with pride, his first time dressing in the full Irish Army uniform to go into Dublin City.

More

Joining FCA and Defence Forces

Michael Walsh
Interviewed for MAOHP - 07/02/2017
Location(s): Galway

Length: 2.07

In this piece of audio, Commandant Michael Walsh recalls joining the FCA (Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil) in 1972 and outlines his early experiences of later joining 'C' Company of An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe (First Infantry Battalion). Speaks about his early duties in the Defence Forces which included operating as a Pay...

More

Joining the Irish Army

Gerry McMahon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 21/12/2016
Location(s): Limerick City

Length: 2.06

In this clip, Lieutenant General McMahon outlines his reasons for joining the Irish Army in 1953. He explains that he had no military background apart from his uncle Vinny who had been in the Free State Army. He outlines that when he was doing his Leaving Cert he was informed...

More

Cadet School

Gerry McMahon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 21/12/2016
Location(s): Curragh Camp

Length: 1.58

In this clip, Lieutenant General McMahon speaks about his entry into the Cadet School and his feelings on joining the Army. He recalls that the Cadets who had been in boarding schools were 'far more worldly about real life' than the Cadets who had been living at home.

More

Early experience at Cadet School

Gerry McMahon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 21/12/2016
Location(s): Curragh Camp

Length: 1.41

In this clip, Lieutenant General McMahon recalls his first day in Cadet School at the Curragh and recalls how the 'Munster men would stick together'. He states that; 'Oh I was absolutely excited about it. It was so new. I can remember the first few days going and collecting our...

More

Army training in 1960

Joe Mallon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 15/12/2017
Location(s): Curragh Camp

Length: 0.53

In this clip, Company Sergeant Joe Mallon recalls training for the army in 1960. He discusses about his experiences of training and recalls his memories of his early days in the army, including training, uniforms, routine etc.

More

Joining the Defence Forces

Michael Beary
Interviewed for MAOHP - 28/04/2017
Location(s): Curragh Camp

Length: 1.28

In this clip Michael discusses his decision to apply for a cadetship with the 51st Cadet Class. He speaks about the influence his father's military career had on him and later refers to his own son's entry into the Defence Forces. His father, Brigadier General James Beary was serving as...

More