An Cosantóir

37 Odhrán Murphy ensured our body of troops performed to the highest of standards with his inimitable command voice. And of course, numerous others who played their part flawlessly. Witnessed by all present, the troops made their entrance though the same gate as their predecessors in 1922 and took their place re-enacting the momentous steps taken a century ago. Enjoying proceedings from my privileged vantage point from the MC lectern, it was inevitable that my mind would drift trying to imagine what this must have been like in 1922 and how the personnel involved felt. Did they realise what their legacy would be and how they played such an instrumental part in the foundations of the Air Corps? How could they have known? But we know and we are grateful that they fulfilled their mission as part of the many momentous events of 1922. Without them, we would not be here today. The ceremony proceeded as planned, with words from GOC AC Brigadier General Rory O'Connor and his predecessor, the Chief of Staff, Lt General Seán Clancy; another significant aspect of this day to have a Chief of Staff wearing the blue of the Air Corps, as we mark 100 years in service. The event culminated with a flypast, delivered with the usual aplomb by the pilots and aircraft of the Flying Training School. As one who has both trained and served in this fine Squadron, I will never tire of hearing the fabulous sound of PC-9s approaching at low level in tight formation to accompany the final bars of Amhrán na bhFiann. It never gets old. And with that, the ceremony concluded, and I had some final moments to reflect on the occasion before life moved on to the next pressing matter. Often it can be hard to express how we truly feel at a given time, so I will aim for simplicity. I felt proud. The ceremony had indeed gone well, and we had all played our part. I was glad of this. But overall, I felt proud. Proud to be there on the day, proud to have contributed to the ceremony, proud of those personnel who had taken part, proud of the uniform I had the privilege to wear and proud of the Air Corps we were able to represent. And that felt good, and I do not take it for granted. To conclude, my hope is that 100 years from now, the Air Corps and its people will continue to serve the State as only it can, and someone might have the chance to feel the same as I did on the 3rd May 2022. Forfaire agus Tairiseacht. AIR CORPS HANDOVER CEREMONY PC-9s performing Ceremonial Flypast Ceremonial Flypast Guard of Honour Lieutenant Murphy on Parade AW139 and Tricolour Flypast

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