An Cosantóir October 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie
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A
fundraising fun day was recently held by 27 Inf Bn to
raise money for a sniper team that have been given
the chance to represent the DF in a sniper competi-
tion in Canada in late September. The Canadian Interna-
tional Sniper Concentration will see teams from around
the world come together to battle it out in this elite skill.
Last year's event saw snipers from Canada, France, Austra-
lia, the Netherlands, and the United States competing.
The two-man 27 Inf Bn team of Cpl Alan Ferguson and
Cpl Mark Fitzpatrick earned the opportunity to participate
in the international event after their success at the Defence
Forces International Marksmanship Skills Competition ear-
lier this year, in which they were placed second in the team
competition and Cpl Fitzpatrick won Best Overall Sniper.
The fundraising fun day was organised by Cpl John Mc-
Guigan and Cpl Patrick McDonald, who are also snipers. All
funds raised will be spent on essential equipment that is
not on issue, and will give the team a helping hand in the
competition. An example of such equipment is the light-
weight Manfrotto hog saddle tripod that would give the
team a great boost.
The fundraising day comprised two events. In the first,
serving members of 27 Inf Bn paid €5 for the chance to take
part in four challenges: an Airsoft pistol shoot; a football
sniper competition; dartboard marksman; and a tyre flip.
The winner of each of the first four challenges went for-
ward to the final, a spicy chicken-wing eating contest, with
the quickest time winning.
The second event held that evening was a quiz night
in the NCOs Mess, with ex-soldiers and members of ONE
invited. During the night a Dundalk FC jersey, signed by the
team, was raffled.
The way 27 Inf Bn has show great unit spirit in coming
together to support their comrades embodies the values of
the DF, and the staff of An Cosantóir wish Cpl Ferguson and
Cpl Fitzpatrick all the best in the competition.
BY CPL LEE COYLE PHOTOS BY ARMN JAMIE BARRETT
One of the organisers Cpl Patrick McDonald presenting
the winning prize to Cpl Eamonn Lawlor.
