Sky's the limit for Irish Air Corps trainees awarded RAF wings for first time
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- Опубликовано: 19 май 2024
- For the first time, Royal Air Force wings have been presented to four members of the Irish Air Corps who have passed their training at RAF Shawbury.
Graduates were presented with their wings after graduating from the Number One Flying Training School which welcomed pilots back in 2022.
"It's great to have the relief and the pride of getting through the course, and it's a great way to wrap it up at the end of the day," said Lieutenant Shane O'Connell who graduated with his girlfriend watching.
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Simply Marvellous for the Republic of Ireland and the UK. BUT, the greatest achievement belongs to those BEHIND THE SCENES who organised this cooperation without taking the limelight. Long may this flourish and lets these 4 "leaders" inspire others to take advantage of this opportunity.
Worked and socialized with the Irish Army in Kosovo in 2001, a great bunch of lads and lassies. I always thought we should have done more Exercises and Operations with them, so this sort of thing is brilliant to see.
Greetings from Ireland, well done lads, all we need now is a defence force fit for purpose and the future
You guys dont really need one because the UK is more than happy to protect both GB and Éire by itself, would be good to get some money for it though as it aint cheap. From the UKs POV it doesnt want Ireland to start cosying up to enemies like Russia or China (or even France!) and potentially make the UK more vulnerable.
@@limitlessLtd As much as there are issues and problems between the UK & Ireland, I cannot see a situation ever where Ireland would stab the UK in the back and cosy up to enemies. We are too family, we just fight sometimes as families do but at the end of the day - if either of us is attacked, you can bet we will instinctively want to defend our precious islands, north, south, east and west.
@@limitlessLtd what stupid comment. Of course some people from Ireland want to join the RAF. Since the RAF protects both Irish and British air space.
What is there to "defend" ? The U.K. is an economic- and social train-wreck and the Irish 'little people' are just waking up to the reality of what's been done to what they thought was 'their ' country.
@@limitlessLtd ....ahhh....i wonder did the British pay Ireland for the Atlantic corridor they used over Donegal during the second world war....as far as i know there is an agreement between the UK and Ireland for the RAF to protect both air spaces....this was first done on the build up during the cold war....and has been on going since....so i don't think money was or is involved....but I'm sure there something more substantial in place....
103 years after independence ... and the thousands of Irishmen that have joined the RAF (including my great uncle) ... great to see this cooperation
A commie led revolution which ended up as a Papal controlled state was not independence.
Nice to see better relations with our neighbours across the Irish Sea….long may it continue
💯% Our closest Neighbour and let's not forget that a lot of us here on the Mainland are of Irish Descent, myself included. Congratulations and well done lads 👍👍
@@stephensmith4480 I have to believe it would be hard find any of us in Britain that don't have Irish blood if we look far enough back. I'm really happy to see this story. Good for the 4 chaps to make it through a very tough course. Fantastic!
@@jtjt210 I agree my friend. It's good to see our young people doing well' I am sure they will have a bright future ahead of them.
Yes and congratulations to these lads. Does this mean that Ireland is now on the same side as the UK? Sorry to say I've seen little or no sign of that in recent years.
They have been good for a while
Congratulations men - great effort! 🍻
My family originates from Co. Mayo, Ireland, and I'm proud of that.
Great initiative! 👏🏼👏🏼
Since we are cousins, it's time to build strong bridges between our nations, as there is far more we have common, that unites us, rather than divides us.
This training represents part of that vision...
🇮🇪 🤝🏻 🇬🇧
why so they can colonise us again
Nice to see the UK and ROI cooperating. I say this as a proud Ulster ScotBrit but with warm feelings to Irish brothers and sisters
Just so long as your Irish brothers & sisters keep their grubby little hands off Ulster, am I right?
The UK government gets on a lot better with the government of the Irish Republic than it does with the Stormont Assembly.
My dad, a Monaghan man, fought Nazis in Italy as a British soldier from 1943 to 1945, along with thousands of other Irishmen. Don't get me wrong, he felt that Ireland should be reunited as a free nation, but peacefully, through politics, not murder. Just look at what the association with Europe has done for Ireland economically. There's no other sane way forward, including friendship with the UK.
"The Celtic Tiger" has become just a tiger-rug for the German-run "E.U." to wipe its dirty feet on.
My thanks to your father and thousands of brave Irishmen who fought tyranny during the Second World War
I would love to have Ireland back with us other three inhabitants of these great islands. I think they would fit better here than in the EU. But it has to be by consent though and I think we are a long way off from that!
Congratulations. Keeping our counties safe
🇬🇧🇮🇪💪
100% mate.
Superb. Brilliant to see. No doubt Irish airmen from a previous generation -Beamish, Finucane, Hemmingway etc (amongst others) would be delighted.
This is how our countries should be ☘️☘️☘️
Agree.
Good job young men. I hope this leads to great things for all involved.
2:32 That’s interesting seeing this chap, they do a Naval style salute. Very smart and lovely to see collaboration between 2 countries that hopefully we will see more collaboration and friendship in the future. Very smart and dedicated young men. As a former RAF tradesman it’s very warming to see this wonderful collaboration and wish these 4 wonderful gentlemen a very prosperous and reading career in the Irish Air Corps. ❤
Good the Irish Republic and United Kingdom are not enemies but brothers and allies so , they should stand for each other shoulder to shoulder and concentrate not on past but in present and dream big for both 's bright and strong future, GOD SAVE THE KING AND UK AND IRELAND FROM INDIA 👑♥️🇮🇳🇬🇧🤴👸🇨🇮
From India???
Love India in return :)
@@fredslipknot9 🤣
Agreed! It made me very happy to see
Thankyou brother, same to you!
Well done fellas👍🏼
The RAF Officer at 01:03 has a Northern Ireland accent.
Great to see the two Forces working together.
We’ve more that unites us than divides us.
The last living pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain is John Hemingway - aged 104 years old - an Irishman who in contravention of his government went to join the RAF.
Rubbish. He was not in contravention of his Government. Thousands and thousands of Irish served in British WW2 forces and thousands more worked in health and support services.
@@washerdryer3466, Although thousands of Irishmen served in the British armed forces during World War Two, as the Irish Government turned a blind eye, that does NOT change the historical fact that the Government of the Irish Free State was officially NEUTRAL during World War Two. British enlistments by Irish citizens were NOT officially sanctioned, as that would violate the Irish neutrality. ….. “Whereas Irish civilians were quietly permitted to join the British military, Irish soldiers who deserted the Defense Forces to fight for the Allies were punished upon their return to Ireland after the war. This made a critical public distinction between British soldiers from Ireland and Irish soldiers in the Defense Forces - the former appearing UNSANCTIONED and the latter representing the Irish state, which needed to appear unified in its support of neutrality.”….. The Unknown Ally: Irish Neutrality during World War Il and a Consolidated Model Analysis of its Effects on Anglo-Irish Relations, Author: Christopher M. Fitzpatrick
@@FernandoL75314 You didn't contradict what I said. So why did you copy paste this? Ireland had engaged with the UK in a War of Independence which was subsequently followed by an economic war with the UK which is all described in the book.
@@FernandoL75314 7000 deserted the Irish Army during a declared emergency and had to face military sanction when they returned to Ireland after the war. They were relatively fortunate given the fate of UK/French/American/Russian/German deserters, many of whom were summarily executed. Neutralityy was the only option for Ireland. After an 800 year oppression, Britain burned Ireland's second city Cork to the ground just 19 years before the war started and conducted a trade war up until 1938. Allying with Churchill, who sent the Black and Tans to Ireland, was impossible. Yet 150,000 Irish men and women fought on the allied side and 30,000 died. Ireland owes nobody an apology for WW2
@@FernandoL75314 The soldiers who deserted here to go and join the british army would have been shot in any other country. Ironically if they deserted the british army they would have been.
So these are pilots from the Republic of Ireland who have worked with the RAF? If so, that is good to hear. I know Ireland and the UK have had a rocky relationship over the years, so its great to see them working together.
Congratulations from a retired military airwinger in the US! Happy flying and stay safe 🙏!
Great to see these young officers representing Ireland in an international setting and thriving. 🇮🇪
Ah, a lad named Finucane in the RAF (temporarily). I wonder if he's related to Patrick Finucane, the Battle of Britain Spitfire ace?
Its quite a common surname in Ireland
Brendan 'Paddy" Finucane was from Dublin . he joined the RAF on a short service commission. Aged 21 he was the youngest wing leader in Fighter Command.. Lost off Le Touquet in 1941 flying a Spitfire ( Patrick Bishop's "Air Force Blue")
@@tomcarr1358Brendan's father fought against the British during the 1916 Easter Rebellion. Brendan was almost killed as a toddler in 1920 in Dublin during the Irish War of Independence in crossfire between the IRA and Crown Forces. Check out the movie "The Shamrock Dpitfire" whi h is about Brendan.
@@tomcarr1358Sorry that should read "The Shamrock Spitfire".
Or the solicitor.....
Pat Finucane.
1949-1989.
Well done lads. Good on you and I hope you have succesful flying careers.
Congratulations, that is quite an achievement. Well done!
Congratulations from far away 🇯🇵Japan. Congratulations. I wish you the best of luck and safety in your mission. 🫡
Be great when the Irish are flying fast jets and playing their part in interception and defence radar.
Congrats to each of them - well done. And to the people in both nations that made it possible.
Great job to see 🇬🇧 🇮🇪
good job lads trained by the best airforce in the world crack on lads 🇬🇧🇨🇮
Wrong flag
@@tomconnolly9895 Let, me see mmm what about this one mee old mucker 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 this one suits you are yee happy now Laddie
@@soultraveller5027 Ya I'm delighted
@@tomconnolly9895
You're welcome matey 😁
Nice to see. Never thought this would happen. I like Irelands policies of non aggressive forces and peace keeping duties they do.
Superb works lads and well done. I hope you had a great time over here.
Well done lads and good luck
Im delighted for those young men especially Mr Finnucane, well done lads 🇮🇪🇮🇪🦾🦾❤️❤️🌻🌻🇮🇪🇮🇪
Well done Lads, you've some big boots to fill, many great Irishmen went before you. Stand tall.
Congratulations and well done to each and all!!
Well done lads, Hope you all have a good service career
Superb! Per Ardua Ad Astra
🏴🤝🇮🇪
Total respect for these fine Irish Professionals. Good to see the 2 nations collaborating like this; we are bonded, able to forge a new history and we work better together ( who needs the EU? 😂)
Superb! Congratulations 🎉
Well done and congratulations 🎉🎉🎉; as a pilot, nothing can compare to the feeling of earning the wing🎉🎉🎉
🇬🇧 🤝 🇮🇪 long may it continue
Wonderful to see. 🇮🇪🇬🇧
Well done, lads
All they need now is a government that takes defence seriously!
More collaboration and co-operation like this - great to see.
Greetings from Canada, BZ men, wishing you a long, safe and interesting career.
Lets not forget fighter pilots are usually some of the best pilots on earth, not just in the military but all around.. the best of the best
That's nice, but these are not fighter pilots.
Ireland hasn't had fighter pilots since the 1950s. Our military is an utter disgrace, all thanks to relentless government squandering.
Ireland has no fighter planes.
Well done guys.
Well done guys, great to see cross training with the brits
nice to see working together!!
Great bunch of lads ☘
Well done lads, good effort!
Brendan "Paddy" Finucane was one of the leading Allied aces of World War 2. At 21 he became the youngest Wing Commander in the history of the Royal Air Force. I believe he's come back for more in the form of young Jack Finucane here!, be mind blowing if he was actually related to the legendary RAF ace.
They haven’t been awarded RAF wings. They have been presented with qualification wings of the Irish Air Corp, after completing training with the RAF.
Legacy of Wing Commander Brendan Finucane
Fantastic, well done guys.
So good to see!
These guys are special.
Well done Lads!
Bravo 👏🇮🇪🇬🇧
My late Irish uncle, who served with distinction in RAF Bomber Command during WW II would be very proud to see these young Irish Flight Officers graduate with the Royal Air Force Flight Training School, Shawbury.
Well done lads👍
There are Irish citizens serving in the U.K. armed forces, if you see the QE leaving Portsmouth harbour and passing the round tower there’s a photo of people/ relatives waving the Irish Tricolour and the Welsh flag, there was an Irish Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan who had a full military funeral in the republic, with his comrades in full dress uniform, this wouldn’t have happened before the Good Friday Agreement, well done lads 👍
Well done lad’s 🎉
Doing Ireland (and the UK) very proud!
(Just whatever happens don't put your hands in your pockets)
Well done .
Well done, you.
Long may it continue
As they took to their submarines, the Irish air corp reflected on a job well done.
Be nice to see them wear their RAF wings.
Good to see the two countries working together, I hope nobody does something stupid to ruin it.
Like?
@@1anre
Exactly
Good on them.
Were a long way from top gun but from small acorns....
Well done lads
The pilot's mother need not worry. I once heard a pilot in a radio interview on the radio say " I am very glad to be up in the air as an aircraft pilot, well away from all the mad - men driving cars on the roads" !!!!!!!
Well done guys ex air corp tech👍
Is Jack Finucane any relation to WW2 legendary fighter ace Paddy Finucane?
Well done. Do they wear the RAF wings on their Irish flight suits or are they just tucked away in a drawer somewhere?
They wear the Irish ones as they are already qualified fixed wing pilots on the Pilatus PC-9. Hence them already having wings on their uniforms. These are just the students streamed into rotary wing. Others would have went on to Squadrons operating the PC-12 and CN-295 ISTAR and maritime patrol aircraft respectively.
@@Machlooper So, the answer is, His Majesty's wings will be tucked away in a drawer. For all the talk of bonhomie, RAF wings worn on their uniform would not go down well in the Republic.
Squadrons? 🤔
@@Mike7O7O Why would they wear wings of a foreign nation on their standard daily duty flight suits if they have their own nations wings???
@@Mike7O7Otrying to stir up trouble? Don’t bother no one’s biting
@@Mike7O7OHis majesty’s wings. . You do know Ireland is a republic that does not believe in or support monarchies.
Brilliant and well done. Garryowen
Probably saw these guys training as they fly over Lillieshall hall golf course almost everyday.
I'm guessing these courses are happening because Ireland is planning to expand it's Defence capability but currently doesn't have the training infrastructure in place? Is that somewhat right?
While the Republic of Ireland does NOT invest in its Military it should be remembered that many Southern Irish fought for Western Europe in WW2. In 2005, 157 members of the Irish Army under the UN fought of an attack by 3,000 "guerillas" AND mercenaries killing 300 with no deaths on the Irish side at Jadotville, Nigeria. They have also suffered on the Israel/Lebanon border as UN Troops with little support.
tens of thousands of Irishmen fought alongside the Brits against the Nazis in WW2. Many never to return home.
Jadotville was in the Congo
2005? I thought that happened in the 1960s..
It’s Irish. Not Southern Irish. No such nationality.
Now get them on permanent secondment. Well done lads.
Some pretty toxic comments here by absolute langers
Why did it take this long?
Sounds good to me. Less expensive than sending them to the USA for training.
The Beamish stick.
If you know, you know.
Finucane. Popular name.
When they get back to Dublin, they’ll have trouble getting that helicopter into the elevator of their tower block!
Now if we can get them quality jets, we,d br in business.
Have the Irish actually got some aircraft now? Wow!
historically the Irish Air Corps flew second hand RAF planes!
presumably the point is that the IAC do NOT have many helicopters - so it makes sense NOT to run their own training school.
Their Air Vice marshal was surpising.
Wondered the type of air assets he commanded
@@1anre That Air Vice Marshal (2.55) was RAF - he's Air Officer Commanding Northern Ireland (still part of the UK).
Nice 😊
Lovely young people. M
Hip hip hurrah!
Your laces are undone kelly lad
What do they fly?
Probably end up in a Augusta Westland AW139 or a Eurocopter EC-135. There's also plans to bring in a good few Airbus H175 Super Mediums by 2028. Though time will tell on that one..
@@_Saracen_wrong, it’s AW-189s their looking at and the first two aren’t due in 2028 their due next year
BRAVO ZULU !
Sad day for the irish military even wearing a royal insignia.
Great to see them do so well. But it's no surprise. The IAC is very small and only a few cadets are chosen every year from a lot of applicants, many of whom would be perfectly suitable in a bigger air force. So they are the best of the best to use a cliché.
That's also why I was rejected. 😢 😊 Congratulations to them.
Pleased to see this cooperation between the IRL and UK DoDs. I hope IRL can truly increase its defense spending and participate with the UK and other NATO countries in exercises. Stronger when acting together.
Great to have the hate towards the UK suddenly being turned around.
Eire just can't understand how close they should be with the UK.
I live near shawbury
Why would the Irish issue UK wings. rediculous clickbait.
Make you wonder why we bother getting independence..