Navan cadet joins naval officer ranks

A Navan cadet was one of four members of the 60th class appointed to be Officers of the Permanent Defence Force at this year’s Naval Service Commissioning Ceremony at the Naval base in Haulbowline, County Cork, attended by Defence Minister, Simon Coveney last week.

Twenty-one year old Philip Hyland, a former student of St Patrick's Classical School, Navan, will be heading to sea as an officer as part of his college qualification. He then hopes to pursue a naval watchkeeping certificate. He returned to his Navan alma mater last month to tell students of life as a cadet. Also a skilful footballer, he has been coaching with Home Farm FC and Shelbourne FC.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Minister Coveney thanked them for their commitment and service, as they embed themselves into life in the Irish Naval Service.

"Today is a celebration of real achievement for the 60th Cadet class. It marks a great milestone in the lives of these young officers who have pledged their loyalty to the State and its citizens."

Minister Coveney highlighted the rewarding nature of a career in the Defence Forces, which is demanding career but a fulfilling one.

The 60th Cadet Class were inducted into the Irish Naval Service in September 2020 and began their training in the Officer Training School. In the first two weeks, the 60th Cadet Class were introduced to the Naval Service by spending time on board LÉ George Bernard Shaw before moving to the Cadet School at the Military College in the Curragh Camp, Kildare. Here, the Cadets were trained as infantry soldiers, focusing on drill, marksmanship, military discipline, fitness and land navigation. In December 2020, the 60th Cadet Class moved back to Haulbowline to begin phase two.

This ‘marinisation’ phase saw the cadets studying navigation while also completing a range of courses such as engineering, communications, fisheries, gunnery and strategic studies. The 60th Cadet joined LÉ Samuel Beckett for phase three, followed by the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy.