Robert making his Mark as captain in Defence Forces

Robert making his Mark as captain in Defence Forces

By Aideen O'Flaherty

A PAST pupil of St Mark’s Community School in Springfield, who joined the Defence Forces 20 years ago, was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Irish Army at a commissioning ceremony in Dublin Castle last month.

Robert Treacy (37), from Virginia Heights in Springfield, joined the Defence Forces after leaving St Mark’s at 17-years-old.

Robert Treacy with parents Tom and Eileen and son Sean

His decision to join the Defence Forces was bolstered by the fact that both Robert’s father and grandfather had been in the Defence Forces, and Robert spent ten years with the 5th Infantry Battalion at McKee Barracks after joining.

When asked if his career with the Defence Forces has matched his expectations as a teenager, Robert said: “It excelled my expectations. It opened so many doors and gave me so many opportunities with getting qualifications and travelling overseas.”

After his time in the 5th Infantry Battalion, Robert then transferred to the Irish Air Corps in Baldonnel in 2013, where he moved up the ranks to Flight Quartermaster Sergeant, and on March 13 last, the father-of-one was commissioned into the Officer ranks of the Irish Army, to the rank of Captain.

Robert told The Echo that getting commissioned to the rank of Captain in the Irish Army “meant a great deal. It’s only been done ten times before, that people get promoted from non-commissioned ranks to commissioned ranks.

“They’re two different streams, so it’s very seldom [that this happens].”

Robert’s proud parents Tom and Eileen, his beaming wife Laura and his nine-year-old son Sean all attended the commissioning ceremony, with young Sean being particularly proud of his dad.

Robert said: “Sean was thrilled, he was very proud. He really liked it, and for days afterwards he kept congratulating me.”

Robert is now looking forward to continuing his long career with the Defence Forces, with his proud family supporting him along the way.

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