An Cosantóir

5 I am wind on water. I am ocean wave. I am the roar of sea on runways. I range over hills and down the Ages. I spread my wings in squadrons to the corners of the Earth. I am the prisoner of elements. In flight, no earthly bond exceeds me. I have heard the Dord Fiann calling. Night and day transform me to a bird. Powerful engines thrust me forward. I lift into the heavens. I see the sun-arc spill onto the curve of the world. I am the scholar learning to fly. I am the eagle staring into the sun. I am a word of knowledge. I am the breath of God sweeping over Teamhair. I am the prophecy – my reflection is on the lakes in the planes. Born of fires, I hark from tumults before time measured time. I prove again my country's place amongst nations. I am the aviator belonging to five provinces. I am the fitter – the mender of wings. I am the engineer – I am the architect of dreams. I am the dream of enlightenment. I am the sentry, the peacekeeper, the soldier in valour. In my auguries I am an Eagle soaring, I am a general in command. Written by Corporal Michael J. Whelan on the request of Briga- dier General Rory O'Connor – General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, it is a poem full of symbolism, traditions, mythology, experiences and history. (Inspired by the 'Song of Amergin' – which has its origins in the ancient world and lays claim to the first poem in the Irish language. It was uttered by Amergin, a poet and prince of the Milesians, when he set foot on the island of Ireland and claimed affinity with the mystical and cosmic). Among the main themes of the Centenary poem is the Eagle, a symbol of the Irish Air Corps found on the uniform collar badge and penant/colours. This Eagle with outstretched wings within a circle with the inscription 'Forfaire Agus Taireseact' means 'Vigilant and Loyal.' In Celtic mythology the eagle was seen as one of the oldest of all creatures surpassed only by the salmon in wisdom and age. An eagle on a crag was seen as a sentry warning of the approach of enemies. The eagle was an Augury (messenger) and the centenary poem accompanies it through the ages whispering of Ireland's destinies, taking her pace amongst the nations (speech of Robert Emmett from the dock). The Eyrie (eagle's nest) represents Baldonnell/ Casement Aerodrome as the home of the Air Corps and its returning aircraft at end of day nestled in the Patriot's cupped hands. POEM POEM Onto the Curve of The World (On the Centenary of Aerchor Na hEireann 1922-2022) Onto the Curve of the World – An Explanation A poem created for the Centenary of Airchor Na hEireann March 2022. By Cpl Michael. J. Whelan I seek horizons, I warn of dangers, of enemies closing. Forfaire Agus Tairiseact – I am the distant voice that whispered of destinies surrounded by the constant sea. Inis Fail is my heart. I am the chieftain patrolling his territory, claiming sovereignty over it every day. I defend my country in times of war. I saw my forbears westering the Atlantic like sailors navigating by North Star and plough. Beneath pinhole skies I am an instrument of modernity. I am of the Fianna – Oglaigh Na hEireann. Ireland and the Eagle are one. I am a pebble. I am a rock. Under rotors, like mayflies, I bring waters to quench the blazing hills. I am the searcher of lost souls at sea. I am the medic saving your life. I am the crew that perished while trying - Go Mairidis Beo. I watch over Benbulben where my friends are sleeping. The skies are my domain. I rest in the eyrie of Casement's hands. Who would protect them? Who remains steadfast and loyal? Who knows the tears of the moon? If not I. Author - Cpl Michael J. Whelan – Irish Air Corps Museum March 1922 The Irish Air Corps, in this poem, is represented in the symbolism of the Eagle as narrator protecting and serving and flying over land and sea, over Tara (inauguration place and seat of the High Kings of Ireland) and Benbulbin (where Finn MacCool and the Fianna are said to be resting, waiting on the call to serve Ireland again). This is also a reference to the loyalty, sacrifices and service of Air Corps personnel and the loss of those while serving their country since 1922. When the Dord Fiann, Finn's Hunting Horn, is sounded three times they will return as their country needs them. The Irish Defence Forces (Oglaigh Na hEireann) traces its origins to the Irish Vol- unteers of 1913 and this is encapsulated in the Defence Forces badge common to all services. The centre piece is formed by the letters 'FF' meaning 'Fianna Fail.' The Word 'Fianna' reminds us of that same ancient military organisation (c. 3rd Century AD) = the standing Army of Ireland at that time. 'Fail' means 'Destiny' and one of the ancient names for Ireland was 'Inisfail' (Isle of Destiny). So 'Fianna Fail' signifies the Fianna (army) of Ireland or Army of Destiny = today's Irish Defence Forces. Westering the Atlantic references the Bremen Flight and St Bren- dan the Navigator (by the stars) which was a symbol found on Air Corps Search and Rescue helicopters. 'Go Mairidis Beo' means 'that Others May Live' and is the Helicopter Squadron's motto. The poem describes the experiences and trades within the Air Corps as part of the whole as a destiny, a dream from before time into modernity.

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