The Government has announced the appointment of Major General Bill O'Dwyer (58) to one of the top three positions in the Defence Forces. He takes up the position of adjutant general and succeeds Major General Tony Wall (62) who is retiring.
Major General O'Dwyer who has been promoted from Brigadier General, will have responsibility for issues such as administration, discipline, ceremonial and dress. Originally from Co Tipperary, he joined the Defence Forces in 1955 and was commissioned in 1957. His brother Tom O'Dwyer, is a former president of the IFA.
Major General O'Dwyer now lives in Newbridge, Co Kildare, and is married with six adult children. Before his appointment he served as General Officer Commanding of the Eastern Command. He is an artillery officer and served in the Curragh Command, in the military college and at Defence Force Headquarters. He also served in the Congo, Cyprus and Lebanon.
Major General Wall who retires "after a long and distinguished service" was also a noted sportsman and was an all Ireland senior hurler seven times for Co Tipperary.