Eithne

The name "Eithne" appears fairly often on radio and has always been pronounced "Eth-ni", which I was happy to go along with, but it's actually pronounced "Enya" and that is why the singer calls herself that, because then foreigners could pronounce it correctly!

Pictish female names Carla 2010

At the back of the Eithne, the naval "ninjas" strip down after their mini-exercise.

Ireland's navy in frontline against Colombia cocaine smugglers 2010

Another possible explanation is that Eithne may be exceptional in having an Irish name, perhaps indicating that this particular Eithne had important Irish ancestry or other connections that the family wished to signal when choosing her name.

Archive 2010-01-01 Carla 2010

As for Eithne daughter of Cinad in the Annals of Ulster, we know her name but arguing from the particular to the general is perilous at the best of times and doubly so on the basis of a small sample.

Pictish female names Carla 2010

Eithne has a very freeing perspective on sewing -- basically, try it, it just might work!

Books 2010

They also stage a boarding exercise from their inflatables on to the Eithne, storming through the ship's corridors, bursting into berths, providing cover with firearms for those searching the rooms.

Ireland's navy in frontline against Colombia cocaine smugglers 2010

And thank you very much Eithne Hegarty B.L. for your expert legal advice.

Winter Bloom Tara Heavey 2010

Dressed like ninjas, sweating under their balaclavas, brandishing automatic handguns as they kick in ship doors, the boarding unit of the Irish naval vessel LÉ Eithne are on a mission.

Ireland's navy in frontline against Colombia cocaine smugglers 2010

At Haulbowline naval base outside Cork, prior to the Eithne setting sail, Barry says that this example of cross-European co-operation is now being seen as a model across the world for policing the seas in search of drug networks: "The Americans, the South Americans are looking at it as a model of how to do business."

Ireland's navy in frontline against Colombia cocaine smugglers 2010

As the Eithne cuts through the choppy waters en route from Cork to Galway on the west coast, the ship passes clusters of islands populated by bird colonies, isolated lighthouses battered by waves, discreet coves and golden beaches.

Ireland's navy in frontline against Colombia cocaine smugglers 2010