SECOND Lieutenant Adam Benson-Byrne and Second Lieutenant James Whyte will join the Irish Army Equitation School at McKee Barracks, having completed their 15 month cadetship in the 93rd cadet class.

Benson-Byrne and Whyte were commissioned at the commissioning ceremony at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, last Friday. The commissioning ceremony was the largest in the history of the Irish Defence Forces with 68 new army officers, two Air Corps officers and eight Maltese officers receiving their military commissions.

Second Lieutenant Adam Benson-Byrne (22) is from Redcross in Co Wicklow. He is the son of Brigitte Benson and Stephen Byrne. Prior to being awarded his equitation cadetship, Adam worked in north Germany, riding horses for Markus Waterhues.

He also completed a level six course in Kildalton Agricultural and Horticultural College. He has represented the cadet school in football, hurling, soccer, rugby and orienteering. His hobbies include football, hurling, horse riding and soccer.

Second Lieutenant James Whyte (20) is from Legan in Co Longford. He is the son of Gerry and Martina Whyte. He was studying mechanical engineering in Athlone Institute of Technology prior to being awarded his equitation cadetship. Whyte’s interests include horse riding, Gaelic football and running.