The 10 most stunning pictures taken by the Irish Defence Forces in 2013

Some of these are really amazing.

The 10 most stunning pictures taken by the Irish Defence Forces in 2013

The lads and ladies of the Irish Defence Forces - protecting our land, skies and seas; flying the flag on missions abroad - and pretty handy with a camera, by the looks of things.

Óglaigh na hÉireann have been good enough to release a selection of what they consider their best images of 2013 - taken during training exercises on land, sea and air; during ceremonies and commemorations and also during missions overseas.

We've had a look through and picked out best 10 - and some of them are really something special.

Have a look at our selection below and check out the rest on Flickr.

_____________________________________

1. SISTERS AT SEA

(The LE Eithne as seen by the Air Corps during the annual Naval Exercise - June 25)

2. ROUNDING THE SKELLIG

(LE Niamh passes the Skelligs on patrol - August 7)

3. FLASHES OF FIRE

(Early dawn during a military exercise in Donegal involving both reserve and permanent members of the Defence Forces - August 12)

4. WINGTIP TO WINGTIP

(The Aer Corp's Eagle Section of Pilatus PC-9s practice formation flying - September 8)

5. FLIGHTFEST DUBLIN - THE IRISH AVIATION GATHERING

(The view from the Formation of CASAs and PC-9s as the crowds below look on - September 15)

6. HOWTH HEAD AND THE SCATTERED LIGHTS OF DUBLIN

(Night air ambulance mission seen from the Air Corps CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft - October 26, 2013)

7. RED BLAZE AT NIGHT

(A Cavalry Corps Medium Recce Vehicle engages target at night - December 10, 2013)

8. FORCES OF THE FUTURE

(Cavalry Shoot in the Glen of Imaal - Three Scorpion Tanks engage a target at night - December 10, 2013)

9. LOOK OUT BELOW

(A parachutist on a practice jump makes a deliberate unstable exit as part of his training over the Curragh - December 22)

10. ALL FOR ONE

(Defence Forces Parachutists make a free fall exit from the CASA Aircraft - December 22)

_____________________________________

All pictures used with kind permission of the Irish Defence Forces

more courts articles

The 10 most stunning pictures taken by the Irish Defence Forces in 2013 Ireland's top-paid lawyers: Jailed solicitor Cahir O'Higgins earned €200k from legal aid cases
The 10 most stunning pictures taken by the Irish Defence Forces in 2013 Love Island star Jack Fincham released on bail pending appeal
Invictus Games - Dusseldorf Prince Harry’s legal claim against Sun publisher to begin on Tuesday

More in this section

12 Days of Christmas Competitions: Over €5,000 in prizes to be won 12 Days of Christmas Competitions: Over €5,000 in prizes to be won
'A place that's always been dear to our hearts': Returning act confirmed for Live at the Marquee 'A place that's always been dear to our hearts': Returning act confirmed for Live at the Marquee
Concept photo: double exposure portrait Breath of the wild: How time in nature can help our physical and mental health
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited