Army Apprentice Died by Suicide After Seniors' Mockery, Tribunal Hears

A Defence Forces Tribunal has heard that a 19-year-old Army apprentice, Oliver Mullaney, was subjected to verbal abuse and mockery by senior officers the day before he died by suicide with his own gun 35 years ago. The incident occurred at Devoy Barracks in Naas, Co. Kildare.

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were being treated like dirt

Brian Murphy, a former apprentice, testified that Mullaney was "extremely upset" and "cried and cried" after being singled out by three seniors. Murphy alleged that one officer mocked Mullaney about his rural farming background, even rearranging his beret to resemble a farmer's hat. Murphy, who later received medals for his service, stated he "100 percent" believes this treatment contributed to Mullaney's death in the early 1990s.

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slagged

Counsel for one of the accused seniors denied the allegations, stating his client does not accept any claims of bullying or a link to Mullaney's death. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Ann Power, is investigating the military's processes for handling abuse allegations. This inquiry was prompted by broader concerns about the military's culture, including allegations of sexual abuse raised by a group called Women of Honour.

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100 per cent

Another former apprentice, Damien Traynor, also shared his experiences, detailing alleged incidents of physical abuse, including being kicked in the ribs and punched in the stomach, between the ages of 16 and 18. Traynor described being taunted and forced to sign discharge documents under duress. He stated that he felt there was "nobody to complain to" and that others were treated just as badly, leading him to self-harm and become suicidal.

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very serious allegations