An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 7 | 7 OPERATION HOLMES, GOLAN HEIGHTS The 60 Inf Gp UNDOF has recently taken part in Operation Holmes, which saw the completion of a full secure, search and clearance of UNP 60 in order to allow full reoccupation by Fijibatt. This will finalise the establishment of a logistics hub within the Area of Separation (AOS) approximately 3km east of the alpha line. The search included the perimeter, buildings and bunkers of the position and rendered safe several Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). Photo: Lt Ian Galloway, 60 Inf Gp UNDOF COMMAND LEVEL 1 DEMOLITIONS The Ordnance School conducted Command Level 1 Demolitions in Kilworth recently with over 100 students. Pictured is a Cadet destroying depleted uranium. The Ord Sch would like to thank the TISK staff and the Cadet School for their assistance. Photo: Capt Adam Beatty, Ord Sch MMA CHAMPION Gnr Dillon Manning, 1 BAR, who is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter achieved a lot in 2019, winning 3 bronze medals, 1 gold medal and a championship belt in competitions in Russia, Korea and Czech Republic. He recently met GOC 1 Bde to congratulate him. Gnr Manning is a member of the Gym Staff in Collins Bks, where he assists and conducts daily training programmes. Pictured (L/R): Brig Gen Patrick Flynn, GOC 1 Bde, Gnr Dillon Manning, 1 BAR, Lt Col Noel Maher, OC 1 BAR & Collins Bks and BSM Anthony McGrath, 1 BAR. Photo: Sgt Barry McCarthy, 1 Bde HQ RSM JOHN MURRAY STAND-DOWN PARADE Pictured on the 17th January 2020 is the DF Values Champion RSM John Murray (CIS Gp, DFTC) who has completed 40 years' service. RSM John Murray is known as an outstanding soldier. He is described as "John has consistently displayed innovative thinking, exceptional commitment, dedication and selflessness in carrying out his duties." RSM Murray has highlights during his career, most notably his 15 tours of duty overseas to Lebanon (9 times), Kosovo (twice), Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan and Syria and he served with a EU Nordic Battlegroup, which trained in Northern Sweden and the Arctic Circle. Photo: Martin Rowe, IUNVA BOOK LAUNCH 'THE EMERGENCY' The Emergency: A Visual History of the Irish Defence Forces 1939-1945 by Comdt Daniel Ayiotis (OC Military Archives), Dr John Gibney and Dr Michael Kennedy, was launched by DF Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, in the Officers' Mess, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines on the 11th November 2019. The royalties from the book will be donated to veterans' association the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE). The book is available from: https://wordwellbooks.com/ and priced at €20.00. Picture (L/R): Dr John Gibney, Dr Michael Kennedy, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, and Comdt Daniel Ayiotis. Photo: Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald

• Cover