"Fr Campion combined a deep faith with an infectious sense of humour, and a strong commitment to the men and women he served with," Mr Martin said

The Irish Naval Service welcomed two new officers into its ranks at a commissioning ceremony held at its base in Haulbowline, the lowest number of new officers to be commissioned for decades.

The LE Eithne served Ireland for 38 years on missions at home and abroad. 

The Government has announced funding of almost €8 million for the project at the naval headquarters in Cork. 

The five cadets have completed a very challenging and rewarding course of officer training which comprises subjects such as navigation, seamanship, leadership, communications, marine engineering, and naval warfare.

“I only joined the ship in January so this is my first two-year rotation since the children were born."

The hurler was born in Baghdad and came to Ireland in 2008 at the age of nine.

Among the class were two Cork recruits: Skibbereen native Cian Coughlan and Midelton native Adam Mahony.

The recruits from Class Ciara took part in the first passing out parade at the Naval Base with family and friends after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Today was a day of recognition and pride for the Navy in Cork as the service marked 75 years of patrolling and guarding Irish waters as well as being involved in humanitarian missions and other important activities.

AN Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined the Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Admiral Colin Morehead on Saturday afternoon to salute 300 years of sailing in Cork at a Tricentenary Maritime Parade across Cork Harbour.

IRELAND’S Defence Minister and Cork TD Simon Coveney has confirmed that the Government has assigned responsibility for further remediation works at Haulbowline Island to the Department of Defence.

RECRUIT Robert Fletcher has fulfilled one of his childhood dreams by joining the Irish Naval Service. Recruit Fletcher was one of the 30 new personnel who commenced their training programme in recent weeks. He is loving his time so far in Haulbowline.

Funding has been made available for the upgrading of the Spencer Jetty in the Haulbowline Naval Base to provide for the berthage requirements for the naval service fleet.

ONE member of the Navy, based in Haulbowline, has tested positive for Covid-19. The member tested positive last week. As a result, contact tracing was carried out and it is understood a number of naval personnel were tested.

THE LÉ Eithne is expected to dock in Cork city this afternoon to be on standby as a possible testing centre for the coronavirus.

THE families of soldiers and sailors claim they have to resort to money lenders and that some are on the family income supplement because of low wages.