Irish Air Corps Exhibition launch in Shannon Aviation Museum
A POPULAR Clare museum has opened a special new Irish Air Corps exhibition.
Irish Air Corps General Officer Commanding and Director of Military Aviation, Brigadier General Rory O'Connor opened the exhibition.
The exhibition included Air Corps Fouga Magister F216, formerly on display at Collins Barracks and a Reims Rocket Cessna 172, having the distinction of being the longest active aircraft in the fleet with 47 years’ service.
The installation of the permanent exhibition coincides with this year's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Air Corps.
The opening took place following short speeches by Minister Niall Collins, Minister Patrick O'Donovan, Joe Carey TD, and Cathal Crowe TD.
Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Airport Group, also addressed guests as the event that marked the 83rd anniversary of the first Irish Air Corps deployment to Shannon Airport on August 30, 1939.
Flying and technical crews were trained and a detachment was dispatched to the newly constructed Rineanna, now known as Shannon Airport, aircraft to carry out coastal patrol duties.
The Detachment consisted of 3 Avro Anson and 2 Walrus aircraft, 11 officers, (10 pilots and a signals officer) and 77 enlisted personnel. A medical officer and 3 other staff brought the strength to 92 on the first day.
Family members of that first detachment were also present at the opening of the exhibition this week.