Just saying, Cowgettingbigger,
. Just saying!
HAS59, yes that was very common. A friend of mine, similar age to me went on to fly Harriers, was from County Limerick. But he had the advantage of going to college in NI and a Father who served in the RAF. I had no such advantages.
Back in the late seventies, early eighties the five year residency rule was in place for Irish citizens. But that was flexible. I was quoted a year by someone in the MOD. I suspect even that was potentially bendable.
As for the OP, he mentions the Irish Air Corps. (Or 'Core') My suggestion is that he buys a lottery ticket instead. He'd have a better chance because more people win the lottery every month than get into the IAC. Two or three a year with fierce competition for every place from people who can spell Corps. In any case the Air Corps is in sad decline. The jibe about Cessnas patrolling the bogs is sadly too true. Where else can you finish training on a turboprop PC9 and find your first operational aircraft is an ancient Cessna?