Two local recruits celebrate 'passing out' at Custume Barracks
Two local army recruits were among a 28-strong 3 Star Private platoon who marked the completion of an intensive 20-week training course for the 62nd Potential Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) with a passing-out ceremony in Custume Barracks Athlone on Thursday last.
The recruits have now achieved the rank of Corporal and are recognised as junior leaders in the Defence Forces.
The new Corporals were under the guidance of 2 Brigade Training Centre Officer Commanding Commandant William Bastic and 2 Brigade Training Centre 2nd in Command Captain Tara Khan, who served as chief instructor for the 20-week training course duration.
Family members and friends gathered in Custume Barracks gym for the passing out ceremony as Brigadier General Stephen Ryan addressed the new Corporals, congratulating the soldiers for their "collective efforts" over the 20-week training course
New military horizons now await both Athlone soldiers as they progress their respective careers in the Defence Forces.
Pte Ethan Friel enlisted in the Defence Forces in November 2024. Hailing from Glasson, the 23-year-old said he felt "very good" following the passing out ceremony.
"It has been a long 20 weeks of training so I am delighted to have it behind me and completed successfully. It's now time to celebrate the occasion with family and friends who have been a great support to me," Pte Friel said.
Based in Custume Barracks with the 6th Infantry Battalion, Pte Friel reflected on the camaraderie within the group during the intensive 20 week training phase describing the course as a "great experience".
"I knew a number of the recruits on the course as we had completed our 2-3 star military training together so that definitely helped during the tough times. We all looked out for each other," Pte Friel added.The challenges were many on the course, Pte Friel referencing the "section attack" week as the most demanding. "These particular drills were extremely robust and very physical. That was a demanding week involving a lot of repetition, but thankfully, we all got through it," Pte Friel added.
The training course entailed military drills at Custume Barracks with off site locations in the Galway, the Curragh and the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow also being used for essential training course exercises.
Having achieved the rank of Corporal, the 23-year-old feels he can now "take on the responsibility of the role" as he looks to build on his career with the Defence Forces.
Pte Keith Byrne said he was "relieved" to pass out at the ceremony after a "long 20 weeks" away from family and friends.
The Baylough soldier said the most challenging aspect of the course was the two weeks prior to starting the 20-week process.
"In the build up to the course, we took part in a preliminary military exercise which brought us back to our recruit training days and gave us an idea of what was in store for us," Pte Byrne said.
The 30-year-old was "extremely grateful" to be awarded a place on the training course and was fully immersed in the learning experience.
"Once you started the course, you were in it fully and despite the tough moments, it all flowed naturally," he added.
Having joined the Defence Forces in 2022, Pte Byrne stepped away from his military career for a nine-month period before re-enlisting as a soldier in July 2025.
The camaraderie amongst the soldiers on the course reminded him of his initial recruit training in 2022 and during the "days which were not so good", he said his peers were there for him and they all "bounced off each other" to maintain a good spirit in camp.
A fitter with the Transport section of 2 Brigade at Custume Barracks, Pte Byrne is looking positively towards the future of his military career in his new leadership role as Corporal.
"My aim is to progress through the ranks of the Defence Forces and eventually try to become a Sergeant," Pte Byrne conculded.