PICTURES: Proud Galway recruits ready for next army career chapters

The new three-star privates – 39 male and two female – come from across Ireland and abroad, with three from the UK, one from South Africa, two from Lithuania, one from Estonia and one from Chile.

Published 20th Aug 2026, 17:39 BST Group photo following the passing out parade of the 180th 2 Star platoon at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore. | Photo: Brian Harding. The new three-star privates – 39 male and two female – come from across Ireland and abroad, with three from the UK, one from South Africa, two from Lithuania, one from Estonia and one from Chile. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Clutching his award for 'best soldier' in his hands, Private Dan Pearce said there were “many late nights, tears and second guessing” as 41 members of the 180th 2 Star Platoon completed their training at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore.

After 24 weeks of robust and challenging training, during which the platoon learned to work as individual soldiers and as a cohesive unit, the milestone was celebrated with their passing-out parade at the Renmore barracks.

Originally from Craughwell but now living in Ardrahan, Private Dan Pearce said that he was “over the moon” to win the award.

“I couldn't have done it without the instruction from the training staff,” he said.

“It has been a long six months and they were the best training staff I have ever worked with. The platoon all worked together. There were many late nights, tears and second guessing as to why we were here. But everyone stood to it and everyone deserves an award.”

As he gave a “shout out to the McNamara clan”, his granny Monica McNamara beamed with pride.

“I am over the moon that he has got here and it has been a long haul. He has done very well.”

Uncle Julien Pearce said that he was “absolutely proud and delighted” for his nephew.

“I am proud as punch,” said the North London-born Julien, who now lives in Winchester.

“It was wonderful to see a group of young people going forward to serve their country. It was a fabulous ceremony and I have never been to one like it before. It was a first for me and I thought it was great.

“I am delighted that my nephew won the award. And I loved what the Brigadier had to say about values.”

Dan's brother Bradley said that he was “very happy for him” and that he has been “very good over the last few weeks of training”, while his sister Blaize also commended him, saying that “he has worked very hard” and that she felt “very proud”.

Partner Siona Lawless, also from Craughwell, said it had been a long six months.

“A lot of the weekends were taken but it will all be worth it now,” she said.

“I am very happy for him and he will be back home in the evenings!”

Private Andrew Healy from Mervue described his journey from rookie to soldier.

“I am delighted to be passed out now and finished up with the training. There are moments in your training when you might be annoyed and angry, but you power through it. They are only doing their job at the end of the day.

His aunt, Bernie Long, who is also originally from Mervue, described the ceremony as “beautiful”, while his mother, Breege, said that it was “very emotional”.

“There is a big difference in him since he started training,” she said.

Dad Tommy Healy said that he enjoyed the ceremony and that they are all “happy out”.

Private James Cronnelly from Athenry described the training as tough but rewarding.

“We got through it and while it was tough and long, I am happy out and glad to be finished,” he said.

“It is a proud moment for us and I haven't thought about my next steps yet.”

Inspired by a talk at his former school, Presentation College in Athenry, James said that, while he didn't apply immediately, joining the Defence Forces was always at the back of his mind.

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His mother Raphael said that she is “very proud” of her son.

Meanwhile, dad Gabe Cronnelly, the former Galway County Councillor, said that he “couldn't be happier”.

“I am just happy out,” he said. “I am delighted he is progressing in his chosen career and we don't know where this will take him.”

Private Kevin Mulhair from Ballybane described how the camaraderie within the platoon kept him going during tough times.

“It is a great feeling to be finished,” he said. “You will have your tough days – your ups and downs. Overall it was fun. The lads helped massively with the whole lot.”

While his future is not yet mapped out, he said that he is taking one step at a time. Kevin had wanted to join the Defence Forces since he was a “babóg”.

“There was a talk from this barracks at my school (Merlin College) and it just sprung out from there.”

His dad Mike Mulhair said it was an exciting time for the family.

“It is exciting and I am delighted for all of them,” he said.

“This is something he always wanted to do – all his life. I am happy for him. We only live down the road and he is near home.”

Brigadier General Caimin Keogh, from Salthill, spoke of the proud history of the Defence Forces.

The new recruits, he said. will be expected to uphold its values as they begin their military careers and he reflected on the long military history of the site since the 1600s.

“The Defence Forces stands on a very proud history, from the struggle for our independence to our ongoing commitment to international peace and security across the world,” he said.

“Our soldiers have constantly demonstrated courage, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the principles of peace, justice and human rights.”

Addressing the new soldiers directly, he said: “You join the ranks of those people who served before you. It is on their building blocks that you now join the Defence Forces.”

He also highlighted the importance of family traditions within military life, noting that when one family member recommends the Defence Forces to another, “that is a good sign for us”.

Brig Gen Keogh stressed the values expected of its members, including respect, loyalty, integrity, selflessness, and physical and moral courage.

He said their training was designed to prepare them for the difficult decisions and pressures they will encounter during their careers.

“You will be challenged, you will learn from those challenges,” he said.

“Your training will enable you to make the right decision at the right time.”

Reflecting on his own 40 years of service, he described how he repeatedly asked himself whether he wanted to remain in the Defence Forces.

“Each time that question (came up), I resolutely wanted to stay,” he said, adding that a military career offers “huge opportunities”, including training and education.

He also acknowledged that recruits may have found their instructors particularly demanding during training, but said that pressure had a purpose.

“I have no doubt there were times when you did not like these instructors, where you felt they were very hard on you – those challenges and those pressures were for a reason: to determine your character,” he said.

He thanked the recruits’ families for their “unwavering support” and congratulated the new soldiers on completing their training.

“You have earned your place among the finest soldiers in the world,” he said.