On 24 November 2024, the thirteen members of the 6th RDF Potential Officers were commissioned in the Defence Forces Training Centre.
On arrival the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Seán Clancy was received by GOC Defence Forces Training Centre Brigadier-General Brendan McGuiness and the College Commandant Colonel John Prendergast, and thereafter inspected a Lieutenant’s Guard of Honour mounted by The Cadet School.
The Chief of Staff presented their Commissions to the newly commissioned officers, including three Gunner Officers: Lieutenant Ross Wiley (1 Field Artillery Regiment), Lieutenant Cian Lynch (1 Field Artillery Regiment), and 2/Lieutenant Andrew McDunphy {2 Field Artillery Regiment)
Lieutenant-General Seán Clancy said: “Today, as you receive your commissions, you embark on a remarkable path of service to the nation. The opportunities before you are boundless – opportunities to lead, to build on the excellent training you have received, and to serve and contribute to Óglaigh na hÉireann with integrity. You have been entrusted to uphold our values by wearing our uniform and carrying the responsibility that this brings, which I am confident you will do with pride and dedication. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with courage and commitment. Comhgairdeas agus fáilte Oifigigh nua.”
The Artillery Club congratulates all three newly commissioned Gunner Officers, and welcomes them to the Artillery Corps – Once a Gunner Always a Gunner.
2/Lieutenant Andrew McDunphy is following in the footsteps of his Father – Commandant Padraic McDunphy and his Grandfather – Brigadier-General Tom McDunphy RIP., who was Director of Artillery before his appointment as GOC Curragh Command.
Lt Wiley is the son of Kevin and Geraldine Wiley. From Carrigaline Co. Cork, he initially joined the Army Reserve in 2008 with the 4th Air Defense where he reached the rank of 3 Star Gunner, but left in 2010 due to other commitments. He rejoined the RDF in 2019 with 1BAR 4 BTY, as he enjoys the mental and physical challenges of army life, and was looking for ways of personal development. Outside the army, Lt Wiley has degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics, as well as a Masters in Education. He teaches these subjects at Coláiste Éamann Rís in Cork, and has been a teacher since 2021. Additionally, he has been a Scouting Ireland Leader since 2018, where he organises hikes, camps, and other scouting events. Here, he met his partner Ann-Marie O Connor, a fellow leader. When not occupied by any of the above, he enjoys music, board games, reading, and fitness.
Lt Cian Lynch is a native of Kinsale, Co. Cork and has served as a member of the Army Reserve since 2019. Throughout his military career, he has served as a Gunner and Corporal in 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment. In civilian life, he holds a master’s degree in International History from Trinity College Dublin and is currently completing a PhD in History in University College Cork. His research interests include International Relations, conflict and conflict resolution, and maritime history. His interests include hiking, swimming, and running.
2Lt McDunphy is from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and comes from a military family. He enlisted into the Army Reserve in June 2017, serving in the 2nd Artillery Regiment throughout his career. 2Lt McDunphy has completed several artillery specialist courses, including a Regimental Signals Course and Gunners Course. 2Lt McDunphy has engaged in live fire artillery exercises with the Artillery School, DFTC throughout his military career and has been a member of the 2nd Artillery Regiment’s shooting team placing highly in GPMG competitions and retains a Brigade competition medal in the Falling Plates. 2Lt McDunphy possesses an Undergraduate Degree from University College Dublin in ‘History, Politics and International Relations’ and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in ‘Strategic Management’. Outside of the Army Reserve, 2Lt McDunphy works as a Consultant specialising in banking and financial services. 2Lt McDunphy’s hobbies include rugby, sailing, hiking, and photography, and holds a Bronze Gaisce medal.
Photographs courtesy of Defence Forces Public Relations Section. and Commandant Padraic McDunphy (Retd). To view slideshow, please click on the first photograph
