Female recruits to the Irish Defence Forces are put through their paces in the Curragh.
Irish army recruit Deirdre O'Neill and her female colleagues are taken through drills and weapon practice at the Curragh camp and military college in County Kildare.
This short feature was made for 'Off the Wall', a summer series aimed at young people set in a fictional café. It was presented by Ultan Guilfoyle and Billy McGrath and included house band Metropolis. The content often featured women who have made their mark in traditionally male professions.
The first cohort of female officer cadets entered the Defence Forces on 10 March 1980 after the Defence Amendment Act (No 2), providing for the enlistment of women, was passed in 1979.
This edition of 'Off the Wall' was broadcast on 10 August 1981.
