An Cosantóir

14 The Church Bell-Tower and Fire Station of the Curragh Camp. Up to half our senior 43rd Cadet Class (14 Cadets) with the necessary matriculation qualifications were selected as the first Cadet Class to attend University College Galway (UCG) in September 1969. Fifteen of our 44th Cadet Class would similarly depart for UCG in September 1970. 6 5 by enterprising 'Smullen' taxis. Voracious cadet appetites and nourishment needs were rarely satisfied by Cook Sgt Hannigan's culinary efforts in the Cadets Mess. Restorative energy-boosting essentials were regularly supplemented by way of treats from nearby Maginn's Shop and from the cadet- run tuck shop in the Lines. The crisis in Northern Ireland continued to escalate throughout our Junior Cadet Year (1969–70). This period also witnessed the 'Arms Crisis' unfold in the South (May- July 1970) and the murder of the first member of the Garda Síochana (Garda Richard Fallon) while on duty in Dublin on 03 April 1970. Significantly, 1969 had heralded the beginning of an expanding aid-to-civil-power (ATCP) role for the Defence Forces with a commensurate commitment of additional resources for border duties. Against this backdrop it was remarkable that a welcome government decision on the long-awaited policy of third level education for the Cadet School was finally made on the 22 July 1969. Individual recollections of our two-year cadetship will range from the purely private and personal to those often-shared collective class memories. Most will retain indelible images A junior cadet quickly grew accustomed to being under constant observation by senior cadets, Cadet School NCOs, Cadet Class Officers and Cadet Master. In the early weeks and months one quickly adjusted to the daily rhythms of cadet life: 06:00 reveilles, dark morning check parades (in turf-smoke-infused Cadet Lines courtesy of fired-up Military College boilers), breakfasts hurriedly consumed in the Cadets' Mess to ensure timely attendance in correct 'dress order' for the first programmed event of a long training day. Rotation of designated Cadet Class appointments such as Cadet Captain, Orderly Sergeants, Section or Passage Commanders ('Ceannasaí Gasra') helped to regulate coordination and control of cadet life. Junior cadets quickly adjusted to the daily and weekly inspection regimes, the physical activity [marching, drilling, the dreaded obstacle course ('cúrsa constaic'), running, cycling, sport parades, cross country running ('rith-treasna- tire'), route marches etc], tactics, weapons training, lectures and mass parades. Precursors to subsequent 'army ranger' courses were conducted from the Curragh at the time of our cadetship. This significantly influenced 44th Cadet Class modes of transportation. All movement to scheduled training activities throughout the Camp (gymnasium, swimming pool, sporting fields, sub-course visits) was undertaken either on the run ('ar sodar'), to the tempo and exhortations of a rather unsympathetic Cpl Ennis, or else aboard our issued 'High Nelly' service bicycles. Last-minute dashes to Kildare Railway Station for infrequent home visits were facilitated REELING IN OUR CADETSHIP YEARS 1969-1971 44th Cadet Class 1969 - 1971 2nd Zambian Cadet Class Penant academic demands. Cadets progressively assimilated the overriding influence of the school, the importance of teamwork and mutual support not only for individual success and survival but also for future success in their chosen military career. Most graduates of the Cadet School will agree that loyalty to comrades was the single most enduring aspect of the training they received at the Curragh". 4

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