An Cosantóir

19 SOME SAY THE DEVIL IS DEAD…… INTRODUCING THE NEW HEAD CHAPLAIN might look like, developing our role in sup- port of mental health and wellbeing and the introduction of Character Development Sessions. Escaping Army HQ, I next found myself doing two regional jobs, 4th Infantry Bri- gade and HQ Northeast based in Catterick and 7th Infantry Brigade and HQ East based in Rutland. These were dual role posts, in that you had a deployable Brigade to look after and Firm Base regions which looked after things like flood response and Military Activities, in support of Civic Authorities. It was interesting stuff and really taught me so much about the relationship between the military and the wider population and the importance of supporting Veteran agen- cies and charities and the challenges that military personnel face as they transition to civvy street. In July 2020 I was selected for promotion to CF1 and to the General Staff and as- signed as Assistant Chaplain General to the 3rd (UK) Division and concurrently Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain to the Army. I wondered if I was still me and thankfully, I was! Rank, medals or decorations never really bothered me, they are not important. All I have ever wanted was to be the best that I can be, so that I might best serve the men and women of whom I have been called to serve. One of the highlights of the past year has been a deployment to Fort Hood in Texas for a Corp level Exercise and an opportunity to meet up with some Amer - ican colleagues. My bags are now un-packed, and the time has come almost full circle. It is with a profound sense of gratitude and a feeling of blessedness that I approach the next phase of my life and ministry. I am humbled to be succeeding Fr Seamus Madigan in the role of the Head Chaplain to the Forces. I know I have much to learn but I promise you I will give it my all. More say he rose again, more say he rose again……and joined Oglaigh na hEireann!! New HCF Pascal Hanrahan My Commissioning Day 2005

• Cover