The annual General Office Commanding’s inspection of the Irish Air Corp took place yesterday, the event an important part of military culture, and one that affords individuals in the corps to interact with fellow units and senior management. What made this event particularly special was the introduction of Finnegan Tairiseact Casement by Brigadier General O’Connor, a new “enlistee” himself when he enlisted in the Irish Air Corps as an apprentice in 1982.

Brigadier General O’Connor with Finn

Finnegan Tairiseact Casement, better known as “Finn,” is a 22 week old Irish Red and White Setter who will serve as mascot to the Corp, and his name is “loaded” with meaning:

Finnegan signifies the connection the Corps has to the community and its people because this name was selected by local schools and the Corp’s own classes in training;

Tairiseact refers to one half of the Corp’s values:  “Forfaire agus Tairiseact” translates to “Loyalty and Vigilance, and finally, “Casement,” the unit’s airbase and the home of the @irishaircorps

A shake of congratulations

It is marvelous – if not hugely important – to see this breed supported by the air component of the Defense Forces of Ireland. England’s Kennel Club has the breed listed as a vulnerable breed with only 51 dogs having been registered in 2018.  Well done, Air Corps!

Photos come from the Irish Air Corps’ Instagram and Facebook page, and it may be worth following both as we’re promised to see more of Finn on their social media site as he attempts to complete his 3* training.