NAME: Fergie Heaton
AGE: 50
JOB: CPO Electrician
FROM: Cork
HOBBIES Cooking & Wine tasting
COMMENTS I enjoyed visiting South America for the first time, meeting many people from different backgrounds. My high points of the trip were the trip up the Parana river and the work we did bringing electric power to a school with hardly anything. I enjoyed the visit to Old Christians Ruby club.
CAPTAIN Fergie is one of the corner stones of this ship, he was very selfless in given up his time for any projects and tasks that came about during the deployment. With his excellent technical skills and unique sense of humour he was a credit to himself and his division.

NAME: Patrick Reidy
AGE: 22
JOB: Tech Trainee Electrician
FROM: Cobh
HOBBIES: Soccer, Keeping fit, fishing and going to cinema
COMMENTS My highlights of the trip were attending the Bocco Juniors soccer match, Visiting the sights in Rio Janeiro and carrying out humanitarian work at Casa Jimmy
CAPTAIN Patrick is the newest member of the electrical branch on board. He was more than willing to face the challenges put in front of him during the deployment and also showed great loyalty to his former branch the mechs division, by doing some watches during the deployment.

NAME: Tom Kennedy
AGE: 43
JOB: Shipwright
FROM: Dublin
HOBBIES: Diving, swimming and keeping fit
COMMENTS I was very satisfied with the humanitarian work on the different projects and enjoyed getting to see the sights in Rio Janeiro. Being Irish at the U2 concert was a great feeling.
CAPTAIN: Tom was a last minute addition to the ship before we departed Cork, taking over from Gerry Cogan, and led the way with the work in Casa Jimmy and in Fortaleza.

NAME: Domnic Russell
AGE: 37
JOB: PO/ERA
FROM: Cork
HOBBIES: Short Distance Running and DIY
COMMENTS Over all I thought the Deployment was a great success
I enjoyed doing the humanitarian work for Task Brazil and found it very rewarding, it was good to be able to deliver these services that were relevant to the children, I also enjoyed the sights of Rio Janeiro.
CAPTAIN: Dominic was one of the behind the scenes team in the engine room carrying out steaming watches and whatever work cropped up on the ship and did a fantastic plumbing job in Casa Jimmy

NAME: Joseph Byrne
AGE: 23
JOB: Mechanican
FROM: Cobh Co Cork
HOBBIES: Ruby
COMMENTS As I am only on inter ship transfer I bonded with the crew from Day one. My highlights of the trip were visiting Old Christians Ruby club and playing in the sevens, and winning. Also giving up St Patrick’s Day to carry out work for Task Brazil, it was great to do this for the Rio street children in the shelter.
CAPTAIN: Joe adapted himself very successfully onboard Eithne, having joined the ship just prior to departure. Joes charm and calm demeanour contributed to morale and inter branch relations onboard. I hope we can keep him after the trip – what do you think Joe?

NAME: Eirc Stephens
AGE: 30
JOB: PO/ERA
FROM: GALWAY
HOBBIES: Walking, Gardening and Recreational training
COMMENTS Making a small contribution to the living conditions of the Rio street children in Casa Jimmy was very satisfying. I enjoyed the sights of Rio and most of all watching Ireland beat England in a English pub.
CAPTAIN: Eric is one of the quiet behind the scenes engine room watch keepers who keeps the show on the road and allows us to carry out all the activities and functions that we must. Well done.

NAME: John Hogan
AGE; 44
FROM: Cobh Co Cork
JOB CPO MECH
HOBBIES: Boating, fishing , reading and keeping fit.
COMMENTS Overall I found that the deployment was a great success, it was a privilege to work with such a crew, the highlight of the trip for me was the humanitarian work that we carried out for the street children in Brazil, and the children’s parties that were held on board in each country, for the children that are less fortunate than our own. It was heart warming to see them leave the ship with a smile on their faces.
CAPTAIN: John is the daddy (and mammy) of the mechs division who played a stormer as usual looking after the welfare of the mechs and others onboard while at the same time fully enjoying the trip.

NAME: Liam Leahy
AGE: 35
JOB: PO/ERA
FROM: Cobh
HOBBIES: Playing with my children, golf, short distance running and keeping fit
COMMENTS Doing constructive work for Task Brazil in Rio was very rewarding. I felt a great sense of pride going back to my ship that evening. Christ the redeemer was a fabulous tourist attraction. Very importantly I felt the way the crew bonded was something special.
CAPTAIN I have to applaud Liam for many things but in particular for maintaining a sense of humour after getting drowned in fowl water while clearing a blocked scupper onboard. Keep smiling.

NAME: Ferghal Tubridy
AGE: 27
FROM Cork
JOB: Electrical officer
HOBBIES: Athletics, Triathlons, and reading
COMMENTS The most rewarding experience of the whole trip was the installation of the generator in the children’s school up the Parana river.
CAPTAIN Ferghal is a gentleman always giving 110% and never stops smiling!

NAME: Amy Healy
AGE: 22
JOB: Mechanician
FROM: Blarney St Cork
HOBBIES: Socialising, Shopping, Recreational Training and Kickboxing.
COMMENTS The atmosphere at the Boca Junior Football Match in Buenos Aires was unforgettable and attending the Old Christians Rugby Club was also a memorable experience and the days work at Task Brazil in Rio de Janeiro for the street children was lovely.
CAPTAIN: Amy is the holder of the Sailor of the Year trophy for the Naval Service which speaks for itself. She is due to leave us shortly and will be a big loss to our ship. She will carry our spirit wherever she goes.

NAME: Vincent Sweetnam
AGE: 24
JOB: Mechanician
FROM: Douglas,Co Cork
HOBBIES: Soccer, Supporting Cork GAA.
COMMENTS My most memorable experiences of the deployment are the volunteer work in Forteleza for the homeless family, visiting the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio helping out at the childrens’ parties onboard. I also had a great time with my shipmates onboard and ashore.
CAPTAIN While Vincent is very new to the Naval Service he is well suited to the lifestyle and a lovely lad to work with.

<NAME: Paul Joseph O’Brien
AGE: 33
JOB: PO/Mechanician
FROM: Cobh, Co Cork
HOBBIES: General interest in sports, D.I.Y , Pier Fishing with my nephew summer months, Reading & Recreational Training
COMMENTS My most memorable and valued experiences of the deployment are having crossed the Equator and completed this deployment with two of my long term best friends Eric Stevens and Declan Tighe. I will always be proud to have been part of a ships company that impacted so much in such a short period of time on the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves, and to have met so many young children who’s lives may have been changed if only momentarily for the better by this crew. I can always say that I stood not so tall at the foot of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro.
CAPTAIN: Paul did Trojan work making sure we were well stocked up with everything we needed prior to departing on this trip and is one of those who quietly keeps things on track behind the scenes. Thanks Paul.

<NAME: Dwayne Mc Philbin
AGE: 25
JOB: L/Mechanician
FROM: Leahive Creggs Co Roscommon
HOBBIES: Rugby, Soccer, Football and long walks on the beach..
COMMENTS My best memories of the deployment are visiting Old Christians RFC in Uruguay and playing soccer and rugby matches in South America. Helping the under privileged in many ports was good also. I will always remember attending the Boca Juniors match in Buenos Aires and seeing Ireland beat England to win the triple crown in Rio.
CAPTAIN: Dwayne is no mean ball player and contributed significantly to our victories on the pitch. Keep up the good work stay around to play santa again this year.

NAME: Michael Harrington
AGE: 36
JOB: PO/ERA
FROM: Bantry, Co Cork
HOBBIES: D.I.Y, Cycling, Reading, Driving and watching sunsets
COMMENTS The South American Deployment is a trip I will never forget, my most treasured memories are watching Ireland win the Triple Crown in an English Pub in Rio taking the cable car to the top of sugar loaf , the range of handicrafts available on the streets at reasonable prices compared to home and the lovely people and atmospheric streets of Montevideo.
CAPTAIN: We thought for a while we might have to send Michael home after badly damaging his leg while out for a walk in Mar del Plata. Luckily we didn’t as Michael who is only with us for the trip is one of the solid dependable types who will always be there when required. You are welcome back any time and we should have won that 45 drive!

NAME: Tom Sheridan
AGE: 51
JOB: Chief ERA
FROM: Carrigaline, Co Cork
HOBBIES: Gaelic Games. Reading, Keeping Fit.
COMMENTS Difficult to pick out one highlight on a deployment, that was full of highlights. Christ the Redeemer was special as was all the humanitarian work that was carried out, on board and ashore. I enjoyed meeting so many different people and of course the pleasure of sailing with such a good bunch of people. Would I do it again? Bring it on!
CAPTAIN: Tom is one of the senior NCO’s who keeps us sailing with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of good humour. This is my second ship with Tom as CERA, thanks Tom, very well done and keep up the good work.

NAME: Maurice Plante
AGE: 36
JOB: PO/ERA
FROM: Youghal, Co Cork
HOBBIES: Running, Sailing and Reading
COMMENTS The trip of a lifetime with fantastic shipmates an experience that will remain with me forever.
CAPTAIN: Morris is often out of sight being one of the engine room watchkeepers but is rarely out of earshot! Morris is coming to the end of his two years onboard and will be a hard act to follow – best of luck Morris.

NAME: Patrick Collins
AGE: 22
JOB: Mechanician
FROM: Cobh,Co Cork
HOBBIES: GAA Supporter, Reading and Fishing
COMMENTS I thought the trip was very good it was the experience of a lifetime for me. I really enjoyed and visiting all the sites in Rio De Janeiro. I had a great time onboard and ashore with all my friends.
CAPTAIN: Pat is one of the hard working mechanicians who also is due to rotate off the ship shortly. Well done Pat on a very successful trip.

NAME: Fiachra Kelleher
AGE: 27
JOB: PO/Electrican
FROM: Stripe,Furbo Co Galway
HOBBIES: Gaelic Football,Swimming,Reading and Fishing
COMMENTS The main highlights of this trip for me are that I have seen three amazing countries and that we as a ships company have helped out as volunteers in projects with the less well off. Also to be able to give so much goods that we collected from Ireland to these poor people was also another highlight for me.
CAPTAIN: PO/EA Kelleher is another of our native speakers on board, he was willing to give any of his spare time to benefit others in several projects. Despite his quiet demeanour, when he marched out on the field to face the Brazilian rugby champions the man from Connemara was a tower of strength and never took a step backwards.

NAME: David Culleton
AGE: 26
JOB: TT/ERA
FROM: Kilmore Quay,Co.Wexford
HOBBIES: Going to the Gym, Car restoration & DIY
COMMENTS My most memorable moments of the deployment are meeting descendants of the Culleton family from Wexford in Buenos Aires and being invited to their family home for a Barbeque. Working at the Task Brazil House for Street Children in Rio and helping to get their toilets working. Visiting the statue of Christ the redeemer in Rio. Watching Ireland beat England in Lord Jims Pub.
CAPTAIN: David did great work both onboard and ashore and fully enjoyed the trip at the same time. Well done David.

NAME: Thomas Kelly
AGE: 48
JOB: Chief/EA
FROM: 43 Mercier Park Turners Cross Cork
HOBBIES: Athletics,Cross Country and Road Running,Hill walking.
COMMENTS One of the main highlights of the trip for me was the connecting up of the generator in the school on the island Los Laurellos in the middle of nowhere and the expression of thanks shown by the principal and parents of the children. I felt privileged to be able to help this island school (Tuesday 07/03/06).Another highlight for me was meeting some 2nd & 3rd generation Irish in Buenos Aires during and after the official reception and seeing their joy at being able to attend and take part in such a function. As O.O.D on that date and meeting them as they went ashore a lot of them with tears in their eyes saying “I really feel Irish” (Friday 03/07/06)
CAPTAIN: C/EA Kelly contribution during the trip was invaluable, he was willing to get into any task no matter how small or large and with his distinctive accent was one of the founding members of the ships band “Hercules”. Tom with Dermot Bates thought me to run years ago. He also got me beyond the first round in both dart competitions –thanks Tom.

<NAME: Declan Tighe
AGE: 25
JOB: L/Hull Articifer
FROM: Tinahely,Arklow,Co Wicklow
HOBBIES: Gaelic Football, Running, Socialising and listening to music.
COMMENTS The most memorable events of the trip for me were crossing the Equator, working with the Street Chilren of Rio on St Patricks day, visiting the statue of Christ the redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and watching Ireland beat England in the six nations in an English Bar in Rio.
CAPTAIN: Declan was a volunteer to come on the trip to help with the shipwright work onboard. He did some great carpentry work in Casa Jimmy shelter for homeless kids in Rio and was an asset to us throughout the whole trip. Well done Declan.

NAME: Brian Hastings
AGE: 20
JOB: Mechanician
FROM: Cobh,Co.Cork
HOBBIES: Soccer, Hurling, Supporting all GAA ,Cars and Socialising
COMMENTS I thought the trip was a very exciting one I got to see a lot of sights. I’ve seen things that I’ve only seen on TV it was a trip that I will never forget. The main highlight of the trip for me was visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio.
CAPTAIN: Brian is very new to the ship and the Naval Service and celebrated his 20th birthday yesterday. Brian has already established himself as a dependable young man and I will be watching his progress in the Naval Service with interest – thanks Brian.

<NAME: Rory Galvin
AGE: 30
JOB: TT/Electrican
FROM: Quilty Co Clare
HOBBIES: Soccer, Hurling, Supporting all GAA ,Formula 1,Jogging&Cycling
COMMENTS The most memorable occasions of the trip for me were attending the Boca Junior Match, rewiring a shelter for Street Chilren in Rio on Paddys Day, visiting The Christ The redeemer statue, going to Old Christians and meeting a survivor from the Andes Air Crash. And finally watching Ireland beat England in the six nations in Lord Jims English Pub Rio..
CAPTAIN: Rory is one of the crewmembers that is leaving the ship at the end of the deployment to pursue an NCOs course. With his technical skills and his positive attitude he showed throughout the deployment he should have no problem sailing through the course and go on to be an outstanding NCO for the service.

NAME: Alan Doyle
AGE: 21
JOB: Mechanician
FROM: Cobh Co Cork
HOBBIES: Reading,Swimming & General Physical Training
COMMENTS My most treasured memories of the trip were visiting Sugar loaf Mountain by Cable car and visiting Christ the redeemer in Rio. Shopping in Montevideo and all beaches along the trip were great. It was good to be part of the works team in Forteleza restoring a familys home. By giving up some of our free time enabled us to make a huge difference in someone’s life the looks on their faces was thanks enough.
CAPTAIN: Alan is one of the hard working watchkeeping mechanicians who played his part to ensure we had a successful deployment to South America. Alan left his new born baby behind with his partner to come on the trip which cannot have been easy on either of them. Well done to you both.

NAME: Johnathan Crawford
AGE: 25
JOB: Mechanician
FROM: Cobh Co Cork
HOBBIES: Reading,Swimming ,Drawing Fishing & Socialising
COMMENTS My most memorable recollections of the trip are visiting the fantastic sights in Rio and spending time on the glorious beaches. The visit to the ship by team Brazil and the Street Kids put life into perspective for me to be able to help these children was an enriching experience. By been part of the works team in Forteleza enabled me to do my part to help rebuild one familys home. The South American deployment for me was the trip of a life time.
CAPTAIN Johnathan did fantastic work both ashore and onboard throughout the deployment and will have a career as a painter and decorator given the standard of his work if he ever decides to leave the Naval Service – which I hope he does not!.. Again well done.