Air Corps Display Hall Opening

30th August 2022

A wing dedicated to the Irish Air Corps has been officially unveiled at Shannon Aviation Museum. Aircraft now permanently housed in Shannon as part of the exhibition include a Fouga Magister CM170 registered F216, formerly on display in Collins Barracks in Dublin, and a Reims Rocket Cessna 172, registered R210, which has the distinction of being the longest active aircraft in the fleet with 47 years’ service. The installation of this new exhibition coincides with the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Irish Air Corps. Also marking the 83rd anniversary of the first Irish Air Corps deployment to Shannon Airport on the 30th August 1939, CEO of Shannon Airport Group also addressed what she described as a “historic opening”. Irish Air Corps General Officer Commanding and Director of Military Aviation, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor also received a presentation to mark his 40th anniversary of joining the Air Corps. He commended the passion shown by both Jane and Eddie for the facility. “The history of the Air Corps will not be forgotten thanks to the Museum” he noted. “Like any collection, it will grow” Magill said, acknowledging the support of Clare County Council, Mick Guinee of Ei Electronics, Paddy Purcell, Clare Local Development Company, Clare’s Oireachtas Members and local county councillors. 

We would like to thank everybody involved in the opening of the Irish Air Corps Display Hall and all those who supported the project.