An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 33 grind down the opposition and come away with a one-point victory. The players were delighted after the game and they took the opportunity to get photos with the cup and their teammates, fellow unit comrades and club mates from both the DF and Gardai team. The impact of Kieran Malone (Clare) and Shane McEntee (Meath) from the bench made a huge difference and Captain Gary White, Pte Ryan Moore and Cpl Jackie Agnew also excelled. Just over two weeks later, we were back in Croke Park to take on the AIB and yet again the players were confronted with household names such as Colm O'Neill (Cork), former footballer of the year James O' Donoghue (Kerry), Niall Scully (Dublin), Steven O'Brien (Tipperary) and Eoghan Kerin (Galway). This time however the DF team took the game to the opposition early on and were never behind throughout. Coming into the closing stages AIB did manage to equalise but in injury time Wicklow's Pte Rory Finn made a lung- bursting run up the pitch to kick the winning score from 35 metres out. Journeyman and Kerry native, Pte Chris Crowley received the man of the match award for nullifying his old school mate O' Donoghue and others to shine were Pte Niall Conlon (Louth), Rory Finn and Cpl Iain Corbett (Limerick). The final fixture of the year was the eagerly awaited game V BOI in Ruislip GAA grounds, the home of London GAA. 24 players and 6 members of manage- ment travelled. The Minister of State with responsibil- ity for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe T.D. led the delegation, accompanied by the Secretary General of the Depart- ment of Defence, Mr Maurice Quinn, Major General Kieran Brennan (President of DF Hurling), Brigadier General Joe Mulligan (President of DF Football) and Brigadier General Seán Clancy (President of DF Hurl- ing 2019). Members of the team were delighted to be accommodated in the Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow, home of the 1st Bn Irish Guards. The Irish Guards also transported the team throughout and arranged feed- ing, which was very much appreciated. The game itself ended in disappointment for the DF team, losing out to a very good BOI side. Multiple All Star winner Keith Higgins was outstanding for the BOI team. They had other excellent performance from Conor 'Horse' Lawlor of Carlow, Brian O' Driscoll of Cork and Jack McCarron of Monaghan. Best for the DF on the day were Pte Adam Tyrell (Kildare), Pte James Robinson (Round Towers, Kildare) in goals and Lt Kevin Callaghan (Dublin). Overall, 2018 was a great year for DF Football with over 60 players involved throughout the year and 34 different players getting game time on the hallowed ground of Croke Park. Young soldiers raved about the involvement of such a high profile manager in the team and fulfilled childhood dreams by getting to tog out in such an amazing venue…twice. The future is bright with more and more players being called into their respective county teams. Special mention must go to Pte Odhran McFadden Ferry who won an Ulster Club Football Title with his club Gweedore, Donegal. Aptce Kieran Malone starred for his club St. Joseph's Milltown Malbay as they won the Clare County Title and lost out to Dr. Croke's of Kerry in the Munster Club Football Final. Others such as Adam Tyrell (Kildare), Patrick O' Sullivan (Laois) and Odhran McFadden-Ferry have been called into their respec- tive county panels for 2019. Planning for 2019 has already begun and it is hoped that the team will develop and improve in the high-per- formance environment that has been created. Additionally, the Defence Forces Foot- ball committee want to increase participa- tion and competition amongst units and formations and the Medical Services, Inter Bde and DF 7s competitions are perfect oppor- tunities for this. The dates will be released in the New Year after the AGM. Gaelic Football, like any other sport in the DF, gives personnel opportunities to be part of a team, meet new people and improves wellness and work-life bal- ance. It is also an opportunity for us to realise the calibre of young people we have in the organisation, both in a sporting ca- pacity and on a human level. Investing a small bit of time and effort in these people will help us to "Strengthen the Nation".

• Cover