Dear Madam
I have spent the last two weeks, at home and in barracks, conducting mock interviews with 42 young men who were looking to join the Defence Forces.
Last Tuesday after the snow hit, three of them left my house at 9am in the snow to go to Athlone for their interviews. Others were lucky to have had their interviews earlier in the week.
The one thing that struck me about them all was the high standard of these young people, and what decent and fine people they are.
Not all of them will make it in, but I would have gladly served with them in the regiment in Mullingar.
Their parents and teachers have done a great job preparing them for taking their place in the community and society.
They can be very proud of how they have turned out, and it has instilled in me great confidence in the future of our town and country, with such young people coming behind us.
I think it is important to recognise such young people in times like this, who represent the majority of young people in our community.
It was a real privilege to meet these young people, and a good reminder of why we have to soldier on regardless.
Yours, etc
Noel O’Callaghan Regt Sgt Major Mullingar
