The shaggy troop member on parade in Phoenix Park

It is said that he may have fibbed about his age just so he could become the Irish Army’s latest recruit.

But now Fionn will have to earn his stripes just like every other recruit if he is to justify his posting with Ireland’s 2nd Field Artillery Regiment.

Although his shaggy hair stands in stark contrast to the clean crew cuts of his fellow soldiers, it hardly raised an eyebrow when he paraded in full regalia for the first time with his regiment at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, yesterday.

The strapping newcomer who happens to be an Irish wolfhound puppy has become the regiment’s most recent mascot after being presented to them by the Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland.

Fionn’s arrival is part of a military tradition of several army units of displaying mascots while on parade duties.

Yesterday’s presentation included all the majesty you’d expect from a military ceremony including a parade by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment Association of retired members, when Fionn got to meet their dog mascot, Corporal Cuchulainn.