Senior officers shuffled uncomfortably in their seats or stared stoically ahead; a man from the Castle rushed in to whisper an explanation. It was nonetheless a proud day for the newly commissioned officers, their families and friends. And because of their experience, outstanding leadership qualities and adherence to Defence Force values, they were handpicked for full commissions. The trigger, it later transpired, was a rogue cigarette smoker in the toilets – an interloper, apparently, with no connection to the Defence Forces or the commissioning ceremony, which resumed after a brief evacuation. The band played Amhrán na bhFiann and the new officers were formally dismissed, amid smiles and congratulatory embraces all round.

Source: The Irish Times March 13, 2019 20:19 UTC