An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/645006
An Cosantóir March 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | by MARK MINIHAN, NEW ROSS, CO. WExFORD J anuary 1966, the year of the 50th Anniversary as the Easter Rising I was part of a group who commenced pilot training at Gormanston Camp. We were Aer Lingus employees who were trained by the Air Corps. Of the 10 who started 3 were dropped dur- ing 1966, and the remaining 7 completed their flight training and went on to spend their full working lives with Aer Lingus. The former Aer Lingus/Air Corps trainees now range in age from 67 to 72, and have not met as a group since mid 1966. On 22nd January 2016 the 10 meet for dinner and a social evening in The Station House Hotel Kilmessan, Co Meath. I had arranged for a visit to Gormanston Camp the next day. It wasn't possible to assemble the 10 for the special visit, but 7 of us made it back to Gormanston Camp - some 50-years later. When we were training in Gormanston Camp in 1966 our Drill Sergeant warned us about thieves regularly - I got the job of organising the visit not because I was one of the 3 who failed to qualify, but because I used to go to Camp in Gorman- ston with the FCÁ in the early 1960s. We were met and shown around the Camp by Sgt Patrick Farrelly, 2 TIS. During the visit we got to see the hangers, control tower and even the water tanks. We returned to the NCOs 'mess' for some hot drinks and refreshments. It was a memorable journey for us all. I would like to express our thanks to OC Gormonston Camp for allowing us visit our former training ground. Cadets pictured in Gormanston Camp L/R: Gordon Pyper, David Cowan, Neil Johnston, Ken Kenny, Harry Gallagher, Ted Murphy, Wolfgang Kyck and Terry McComish. Photo: David Cowan The young group of 10 potential pilots in 1966. Photo: David Cowan Pictured (not in order): Gordon Pyper, Terry McComish, Ken Kenny, Harry Gallagher, Mark Minihan, Dave Cowan and Wolfgang Kyck. Not in photo are: Neil Johnston, Ted Murphy and Pat Burke. Photo: Cpl Colin Deleany, 2 Bde HQ Cadet Harry Gallagher beside Air Corps De Havilland Chipmunk '200'. Photo: Harry Gallagher Pictured on their wedding day 21st February 1966 is retired Veteran Danny Lawlor and his wife Sheila Lawlor from Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny who are celebrating an amazing 50 years of marriage – congratulations to you both from all your military colleagues, friends and family. Danny served in Cathal Bruagh Bks, the Curragh Camp and James Stephens Bks and he also served overseas. He is pictured front row 5th from the lef t arriving in Jordan with his overseas unit. Danny is a proud re- tired soldier and we wish him well. Words/Photos: Sarah Lawlor, daughter-in-law Air Corps train Aer Lingus Pilots in 1966 "The water tanks are concreted into the ground so that they will not be stolen, so you mind all your own gear as carefully".