An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1098889
An Cosantóir April 2019 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | D uring 2017 the Commanding Officer of the 12 Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Seán Murphy directed that the many achievements of the unit's members should be acknowl- edged publicly in a single location in Sarsfield Bks. With that in mind a 'Wall of Champions' was devised which would capture the many accomplishments at Brigade and Defence Forces level or equivalent. CQMS Seán O'Callaghan set to work, he designed and delivered 'the wall' and gathered the material to display on it. In addition, it was identified that the many cups and trophies won by 12 Inf Bn personnel were traditionally stored in the CO's office and were rarely on public display. Consequently, it was decided to exhibit these cups and trophies in association with the 'Wall of Champions' in the Dining Hall. BQMS George Griffin sourced and fitted an appropriate display cabinet. Since the wall and the tro- phy cabinet are now in place, this area has become the location where the 12 Inf Bn welcomes its guests to Sarsfield Bks. On 8th January 2019, Munster and British and Irish Lions rugby player Conor Murray visited Sarsfield Bks to view the 'Wall of Champions' and to meet the members of the 12 Inf Bn's 80th An- niversary celebrations. Lt Col Murphy on behalf of the unit, welcomed Conor and congratulated him on his career and achievements to date. He outlined the responsibilities and activities associated with the unit including its area of responsibility in Limerick, Clare and parts of Kerry, Tipperary and Cork. He emphasised that approximately 95% of the people in the 12 Inf Bn are from the six counties of Munster. Lt Col Murphy outlined why the Bn has the official nickname of 'The Premier Battalion' and explained the unit motto 'Primum Acieum, Primum Actum' (First in Line, First to Act). He then identi- fied the genesis and the significance of the 'Wall of Champions' and the trophy cabinet. Unit members were delighted knowing Conor Murray had expressed an interest in the unit's achievements and had taken the time to visit Sarsfield Bks and to speak to them. Conor addressed the floor and stated how he was impressed by the level of dedication that soldiers display in performing a wide range of roles, always to a high professional standard, at home and on overseas service. He complimented Defence Forces members on the contribution they make to Irish society across a whole range of areas. He drew comparisons between military life and train- ing to that of a profession- al interna- tional rugby player. He alluded to the con- trast be- tween the perceived glamour of being a profession- al athlete and the hard work and application that is required consistently to achieve the re- quired levels of performance. Conor's ad- dress to the gathering was warmly greeted as he described the difficulties faced by him pre- paring for a game, both mentally and physically, and the impor- tance of his team mates throughout the process. He credited De- fence Forces members for their willingness to work hard to prepare for a range of tasks and operations both at home and overseas. Undertakings that might take them away from their families for extended periods, and to dangerous locations. He concluded that everybody in a team has a role to play and if all members of the team perform their specific role to their utmost ability, then they can rest assured that they have contributed to the team's effort to achieve its goal and overall success. Conor viewed the 'Wall of Champions' and the trophy cabinet, which now hosts a large variety of pictures, cups and trophies. The trophy cabinet currently houses, amongst other trophies, the 1 Bde Marksman's Cup, 1 Bde Combined Weapons Trophy, the All Army Cups for the GPMG (both PDF and RDF), the Cun- ningham Cup (Soccer) and the Hooker Regan All Army Rugby Sevens Trophy. These achievements are commemorated on 'the wall' in addition to other successes such as winning the Medi- cal Service Cup (Gaelic Football) for the first time in the history of the unit in 2017. The visit concluded with Conor freely mingling with and meeting the members of the battalion. CONOR MURRAY'S VISIT TO 12 INF BN, SARSFIELD BKS BY LT DAN HANLEY, 12 INF BN Hooker Regan winning team photo (L/R): Cpl B. O'Callaghan, Sgt J. Gleeson, Pte I. Corbett, Pte C. McGrath, Conor Murray, Pte P. Murphy, Pte B. Kissane, and Pte S. Hayes. Conor presenting a Munster Jersey to Lt Col Seán Murphy. Conor Murray in front of the 'Wall of Champions'. Members of the 12 Inf Bn with Conor Murray.