A woman of honour : a soldier's story of cover-ups, sexual violence and the enemy within the Irish Defence Forces

'A searing, honest and courageous account of professional soldiering in a toxic military culture' Senator Tom Clonan, retired army captainDuring her 31-year career as a soldier in the Irish Defence Forces, Karina Molloy achieved many firsts.

First female to get promoted to Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) rank.

First to attempt the Army Ranger Wing selection course - Ireland's SAS equivalent - when it was considered impossible for women. And, to date, Karina has the most overseas service as a female senior NCO. But despite a pioneering career, she faced many setbacks in an institution rife with misogyny - from sexual assault to routine bullying to promotional glass ceilings. And yet she persevered. From Lebanon to Eritrea to Bosnia, A Woman in Defence is the often shocking story of a determined soldier who forged her way in a man's world, and who continues to fight to make the army a safer and more equitable place for women.

What emerges is a damning exposé of a venerable Irish institution which has failed to defend and protect its own.