An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir February 2020 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | REPORT & PHOTOS BY SGT PAUL MAGUIRE L adies and Gentlemen, we would like to introduce you to our latest recruit Finn. His full name is Finnegan Tairiseact Casement and he is the first official mascot of The Irish Air Corps. He was named Finnegan as its an old Irish Name, Tairiseact from the Air Corps motto which trans- lates as Loyal, and Casement after Sir Roger Casement after whom the airbase is named. Finn is a red and white Irish Setter, he is five and a half months old. "The red and white Irish setter is quite a rare breed," as explained by Finn's handler Corporal Aidan Bros- nan, "and he was donated to the Irish Air Corps by dog breeder Ken Kennedy who is hoping to draw attention to, and promote the red and white Irish Setter breed". Finn is currently undergoing recruit training under the instruction of Corporal Brosnan who said, "our aim is that Finn will pass out with the current recruit platoon in Baldonnel early next year". Already Finn is a hugely popular character around Case- ment Aerodrome, but as a recruit he still has a bit of difficulty discerning the different ranks, in fact he is just as happy hav- ing his belly rubbed by a Brigadier General or a fellow recruit. And is always known to reciprocate with a friendly lick. Its not all play for Finn though, he has been undergoing a battle inoculation of sorts lately, as he has to get used to behaving on parade, and get used to noisy aircraft, our own pipe band and eventually gunfire. This will happen shortly when he is expected to take part in 'section in attack' training with the rest of his recruit platoon in the Glen of Imaal, as they continue their ground phase. Here's hoping he's not distracted too much by the local wildlife during tactics. Finn was recently on parade for his first GOCs inspection and performed admirably and Brigadier General Rory O'Connor had a spe- cial word of encourage- ment for him as he sets out on his military career. Finn is in high demand with the 'PR department' also, and recently had a photo shoot with the 3 Infantry Battalion's mascot, three year old Irish Wolfhound Fionn, who no doubt imparted whimpers of wisdom and experience with his new comrade. Here's wishing Finn and Fionn all the very best in their future military careers and paws for thought, If each human year is 7 dog years Finn will have his 10 year service medal in about twelve months' time. Pictured L/R: Pte James Dooley, 3 Inf Bn, with Fionn and Cpl Aidan Brosnan, No 5 Support Wing, Air Corps with Finn. Finn and Fionn check out No 3 Operations Wing. Recruit Finnegan Tairsieact Casement.

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