Naval Service Fleet
P42 - LÉ Ciara
LÉ Ciara was forerlly the HMS SWALLOW, patrolling the waters of Hong Kong. She was purchased by the State in 1988. The primary armament is a 76mm OTO MELARA compact gun and RADAMEC electro optical fire control system. LÉ Ciara is a high speed vessel, designed to move rapidly about the patrol area and to bring her considerable firepower to bear where necessary.
She scored a notable operational success in Nov 1999 when she conducted the second biggest drug seizure in the history of the State at that time, with her interception and boarding at sea of the MV POSIDONIA off the SW coast of Ireland.
Although all the ships’ homeport is Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour, LÉ Ciara has a particularly close relationship with the town of Kinsale in Co Cork.
| Type | Coastal Patrol vessel |
|---|---|
| Commissioned | 3 May 1985 |
| Complement | 39 (6 Officers and 33 ratings) |
| Displacement | 712 tonnaí |
| Dimensions (meters) | 62.6 x 10 x 2.7 meters |
| powerplant | 2 x Crossley 14400 hp SEMT - Pielstick Diesels |
| Maximum Speed | 25 knots |
| Range | 2500 nautical miles at 17 knots |
| Weapons | 1 x 76mm OTO Melara Cannon; 2 x 12.7mm HMG and 4 x 7.62mm GPMG |
Ciara from Celtic Mythology
Ciara was the daughter of a wealthy Christian family who settled near Nenagh, Co Tipperary in the 7th century. Ciara was a devout Christian and aged 20, she established a convent near her home which became famous and grew rapidly. It grew to such an extent that Ciara established another convent near Durrow, Co Laois where she spent many years, though she returned to her home before her death in 685.
The upper part of the ships crest depicts the arms of Tipperary while the lower part shows a Celtic high cross. This also has a Tipperary connection as it based on the high cross at Ahenny, South Tipperary.