AN eight year old boy with a serious heart condition yesterday became "honorary commanding officer" at Collins Barracks, Cork, for the day.
Kieran Finnegan suffers from a rare heart condition and is due to have openheart surgery in Crumlin Children's Hospital, Dublin, shortly. Because he is so interested in the Army, the Share A Dream Foundation offered to help organise a day outing to the barracks. However, the wish to spend a day in the Army became a wish" to be in charge.
A jeep, complete with escort, collected Kieran from his home in Ballyclough, Co Cork, early yesterday. Col Tadgh Crowe, commanding officer, welcomed the latest recruit and gave him his "stripes". The eight year old then took the salute and reviewed 300 troops on the parade, ground.
Kieran's mother, Breda, said she was very proud of her son. "He has had a difficult time since we discovered his illness last year but he was so excited about this day and nothing was" going to stand in his way. We are very grateful to the Army and everyone for organising, this for him."