A TIPPERARY woman has made history by reaching the rank of Commander-- the first time the position has been held by a woman.
Roberta O'Brien, from Glen of Aherlow, has served in the Irish navy since 1995 and rose steadily through the ranks, being commissioned as an Officer after two years of service and also serving as a Senior Staff Officer, Health & Safety Advisor, Cadet Class Officer and second in command of the Naval Service's Logistics Unit.
The Tipperary woman is no stranger to smashing stereotypes and making history, having previously been named the first-ever female captain of an Irish warship, when she assumed command of the LÉ Aisling in 2008-- a position which has been held by seven women since.
According to RTÉ News, Roberta's husband, Peadar Ó Catháin, is also a high-ranking official, currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonal in the Irish Army, and the couple have three young children together.
The Irish Naval Service paid tribute to their glass ceiling-shattering Commander with a post on their official Facebook page over the weekend.
"Congratulations to Commander Roberta O’Brien who has become the highest ranking female in the history of the Irish Navy," a spokesperson wrote.
Congratulations to Commander Roberta O’Brien who has become the highest ranking female in the history of the Irish Navy....
Posted by Irish Naval Service on Friday, 4 September 2020
The historic moment comes after another Irish woman, Donegal native Tahlia Britton, graduated last month to become the first-ever female diver in the Irish navy.
The 29-year-old, along with two other colleagues, were the only ones of ten hopefuls to succeed in the gruelling 10-week course which infamously has a 70% drop-out rate.
Ms Britton is now the first woman in history to join the elite diving service, which is responsible for dangerous search and rescue mission, underwater engineering and explosive disposals.
See More: Irish Navy, Roberta O'brien
