An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March / April 2026 www.military.ie/magazine REFLECTIONS OF REFLECTIONS OF A COMMANDING OFFICER A COMMANDING OFFICER I t is a rare privilege to return to command the unit in which one was first commissioned. To do so twenty-eight years later, as Commanding Officer of 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment, is both humbling and deeply rewarding. From the outset, I was reminded that while equipment, structures and personnel evolve, the character of the Regiment — its professionalism, pride and cohesion — endures. On taking up appointment in Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, I was struck by the clarity of purpose across the Regiment. Despite sustained operational commitments and staffing pressures, output has remained consistently high. The Regiment has delivered State ceremonial duties with precision, including gun salutes and Guards of Honour; supported the civil authority during severe weather and other contingencies; and maintained a steady contribution of trained personnel for overseas deployments. Each task, whether conducted under public scrutiny or in demanding operational environments, has been approached with discipline and professionalism. Following the 2012 reorganisation of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Unit was redesignated 1 Bde Arty Regt, assuming additional capabilities through the integration of an Air Defence Battery and a Surveillance and Target Acquisition Battery. This broadened both its expertise and its operational responsibilities, ensuring the Regiment remains relevant, agile and fully aligned with modern Defence Forces requirements. Training is the foundation of our effectiveness. Live firing, tactical exercises, command post training and specialist courses are conducted to exacting standards, reinforcing technical mastery and safety while building confidence and cohesion. The Regiment also plays a vital role in developing recruits, instilling not only professional competence but also the ethos and standards expected of soldiers of the Defence Forces. Beyond operational and training commitments, 1 Bde Arty Regt carries responsibility for the management of Collins Barracks. Overseeing infrastructure, security, logistics and daily administration is a significant undertaking. That these garrison responsibilities are delivered seamlessly alongside operational, ceremonial and overseas commitments speaks to strong leadership, effective systems and a culture of shared accountability. The Regiment's achievements extend 8 | 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment, 30 years later The Unit maintains strong links outside of the Barrack walls, supporting Veterans' societies, Cork Penny Dinners & the Cork Lions Club Christmas appeal The Unit provides a traditional welcome to the new Lord Mayor of Cork, strengthening the ties between the Barracks and Cork City Hall Unit Hill Walk, building Esprit-de-Corps and taking an occasional rest from Barrack and Unit Routine ARTICLE BY LT COL PEADAR Ó CATHÁIN

• Cover