The Irish Defence Forces Podcast

Episode Six of the series turns its focus to Defence Forces Soccer, highlighting the role sport plays in developing leadership, teamwork, and professionalism across the organisation.In this episode, we explore the recent leadership evening delivered with the Irish U-21 national team, where Defence Forces personnel conducted team building exercises and shared insights on leadership, resilience, and performing under pressure. The discussion reflects on the value of collaboration between elite sport and the military, and how shared experiences can inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming Defence Forces soccer tournaments and the range of development opportunities available to personnel interested in advancing their involvement in the game. From coaching pathways to refereeing courses, the episode outlines how members can build their skills while contributing to the continued growth of soccer within the organisation.Along the way, participants share their own experiences of playing and supporting Defence Forces soccer, offering a personal perspective on the camaraderie, competition, and pride that comes with representing the organisation on and off the pitch.#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Five turns the spotlight on the Central Medical Unit. In this episode, we explore how Defence Forces medical personnel work in close partnership with the Health Service Executive to respond to 999 emergency calls, providing frontline clinical care when and where it is needed most.From rapid response taskings to seamless integration with civilian ambulance services, the discussion highlights the professionalism, adaptability, and clinical expertise that Defence Forces medics bring to every call. We examine the training, coordination, and operational readiness required to operate in high-pressure environments, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and compassion of the men and women of the Central Medical Unit as they stand ready to support communities across Ireland.#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Four of this series turns its focus to the Infantry Weapons Wing (IWW), examining the pivotal role it plays within the Infantry School and across the wider organisation. This episode explores how the IWW drives excellence in marksmanship, weapons instruction, and tactical development.Through our discussion, the episode highlights the IWW’s responsibility for delivering specialist weapons courses, developing instructors, and preparing personnel for upcoming competitions that showcase skill, discipline, and professionalism. It also looks ahead to future projects and initiatives designed to enhance capability, modernise training, and strengthen interoperability across units.Listeners will gain insight into the expertise, precision, and commitment of IWW personnel who work behind the scenes to ensure that Irish Defence Forces soldiers are trained to the highest standard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Three turns its focus to the Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) of the Irish Defence Forces Air Corps, exploring the critical role it plays in supporting the State. This episode examines the capability, training and coordination required to deliver rapid aeromedical response in time-critical situations. Through expert discussion, it highlights the professionalism, adaptability and commitment of Air Corps personnel who provide lifesaving support in emergency situations, often operating in challenging environments where speed, precision and teamwork are paramount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Two explores Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations with a focused discussion on the use of Manual Neutralisation Techniques (MNT). This episode provides insight into the specialist skills, training, decision-making, and risk management involved in employing hands-on techniques to safely render explosive threats safe. Through expert discussion, it highlights the professionalism, precision, and operational discipline required of EOD teams in complex and high-risk environments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode offers an insight into the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Teams' participation in Exercise Northern Challenge displaying specialist skills, international cooperation and operational readiness combined with a team performance that led to the Irish Defence Forces EOD Team being voted as the Best Team for 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the 7th and final episode of Season 4 we speak to three members of the 1st Mechanised Infantry Company about the recent Infantry Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) upgradeLieutenant Shay Byrne (Acting APC Captain) , Sergeant Deccie Conroy (APC Sergeant), Private Evan Lynch (APC Crewman) talk to us about their experiences, both at home and overseas, operating our Infantry Armoured Personnel Carrier. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode we speak to Comdt Gavin Egerton and Lt Rory Behan about the the largest Corps of the Irish Army, the Infantry Corps. We discuss its history, its various roles and learn about the newly relaunched Infantry Ethos and Infantry Principles.Read more about the Infantry Ethos: https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/army/army-corps/infatnry-corps/infantry_principles_and_history.pdfThe Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we speak to Lieutenant Colonel Tom Freyne (Officer Commanding the Army Equitation School), Second Lieutenant Michaeli Byrne (Riding Officer), Corporal Barry Kehoe (Groom and Acting Yard Sergeant) to discuss the career opportunities available in the Army Equitation School based in McKee Barracks, Dublin.  The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s show we speak to Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy and take a look back at some big items from his first year in office. Our conversation ranges from Defence Forces operations both at home and overseas, implementing recommendations from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, organisation culture, recruitment and retention. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we speak to Sub-Lieutenant Fergus Munday, Navigation Officer on the LÉ James Joyce, Chief Petty Officer James Lahive, Coxswain of the LÉ James Joyce, Able Mechanician Brian Molloy, Crew member of the LÉ James Joyce about the recent Naval Service diplomatic mission to the United States and Canada. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we speak to Captain Richie Barber, Lieutenant Leah McEvoy, Battalion Sergeant Major Anthony Jinx and Private Shannon Thomas about the opportunities that serving members have to play, coach and referee soccer in the Defence Forces.  Time Stamps:0.43: Guest Introductions5.55: History of Soccer in the Defence Forces, FAI Affiliation & International Caps.11.55: Men's Soccer37.58: Women's Soccer49.40: Domestic Tournaments56.00: RefereeingThe Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of season 4 we speak to Corporal Cathy Jennings, a Crewman in 302 Squadron, Irish Air Corps. Cathy speaks to us about her first four years in the Irish Defence Forces, from joining the Army as a Recruit to becoming the first ever female Crewman in the history of the Irish Air Corps. In this time Cathy has also completed a tour of duty with UNDOF in Syria, became a qualified Emergency Medical Technician and she speaks to us about her experiences of having a job that “seems too good to be true”! The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features Captain Steve Keane, an officer in the Computer Incident Response Team of the Defence Forces Communications and Information Services Corps. Captain Keane gives an overview of the principles of cyber security and cyber security in the Defence Forces.The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we welcome on the Course Sergeant for the 2021 Army Ranger Wing Special Operations Forces Qualification Course. The Course Sergeant talks about the make up of the ARW SOF-Q Course, and gives some advice on and experience of passing the course and becoming a member of the Army Ranger Wing. For operational security reasons the identity of members of the Army Ranger Wing are not made public.The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features an account of Naval Service participation as part of Operation Pontus in the Mediterranean Sea in response to the migrant crisis between 2015 and 2017. With Captain Kenneth Minihane, Lieutenant Commander Alan Flynn and Warrant Office Sean Duignam.The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we meet the School Commandant of the Defence Forces Physical Education School, Commandant James Leddingham, Sergeant Jim Maguire, a Physical Training Instructor in the School, former inter-county hurler and four time All-Star Lieutenant Paul Murphy, and Chief Defence Forces Physiotherapist, Eimear Ní Fhallúin, who are talking all things military fitness and sport within the Defence Forces. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we welcome on Airman Tadgh Weadick of 302 Squadron in the Irish Air Corps. A qualified winch operator, emergency medical technician and helicopter air crew, he shares his experiences on the job, from training, to working as part of the Emergency Aeromedical Service, to instructing students on the air crew course and beyond.The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we welcome on Commandant (retired) Miriam McCann, Company Sergeant (retired) Bernadette Kelly and Corporal Paula Dowling, who share their experiences of joining the Defence Forces in the early eighties as woman joined the Defence Forces for the first time.The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we welcome on Lieutenant (NS) Gary Jordon, project officers for the mid-life refit of the Irish Naval Vessel LÉ Roisín. Lieutenant (NS) Jordan covers the process of extending the life of LÉ Roisín into the next 15 years. The Irish Defence Forces Podcast aims to provide interesting content on all aspects of the Irish military. It is a production of the Defence Forces Public Relations Branch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.