Proud day for Longford family

Friday, June 30 was a very proud day for the Bermingham family from Longford as Matthew Bermingham completed his Irish Defence Forces basic training, following in the footsteps of his late grandfather Patrick Bermingham. 

After 12 weeks intensive training, Matthew from Ballyknock, Kenagh, who was among the first Platoons to undergo the Defence Forces new ‘Joint Induction Training’ concept, passed out under the proud pennant of B Company, 27th Inf Bn in Gormanston Camp, Meath.

Matthew's proud dad, Michael Bermingham explained, "It was a poignant moment for myself and our family as my late father Patrick Bermingham also served back in 1957. So 66 years later history repeated itself. My son (Matthew) wasn't even aware of this until I told him whilst he was training to his astonishment."

Last Friday, the 62nd & 63rd Recruit Platoons and a total of 40 new service personnel received their ‘2 Star Private’ or ‘Ordinary Rate’ rank markings from Lt Col Frank Colclough, OC 27th Inf Bn. In total there were 32 Army personnel, 6 Naval Service personnel and 2 Air Corps personnel on parade.