An Cosantóir

On February 11th 2013 the RDF's Sluagh Hall in Swords, County Dublin, closed its door after 75 years. On what was quite a sombre occasion, Comdt Michael Ridge (2 i/c 65 Inf Bn) said: "As the troops march out through these gates for the last time, we remember everyone who interacted with this building from its opening in 1938. We remember in particular those who have passed on. Life-long friends were made, challenging training was undertaken and embraced, hands were shaken, disputes were resolved, hearty laughs were enjoyed, an odd drink was taken, but above all – service to the state was so willingly given." (Photo by Sean Shinnors) Bde, Brig Gen Michael Finn, said "the 'single force' concept will allow for greater scope for effective training and ultimately provide a greater capability within the brigade." The existing Naval Service Reserve units in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford will remain, although their established strength will now be 50 personnel each. The Cork unit will be moved from Collins Bks, Cork, to the Naval Base at Haulbowline. At the stand-down of 62 Res Fd Arty Regt, Lt Col Ray York (OC 2 Arty Regt) complimented the unit on their outstanding volunteer service and their commitment to the Defence Forces and the state. Addressing the reservists Lt Col York told them that new opportunities and challenges lie ahead. "For those of you being assigned to 2 Arty Regt in Athlone," he said, "there will be greater scope for integrated collective training; those of you who decide to change corps will have the opportunity to be re-trained and up-skilled; and for those that decide to retire early your skills and training will go with you in your future careers. But always be proud of your roots in 62 Res Fd Arty Regt and be sure to keep those limbers rolling on." | 25 4 W BDE RDF UNITS STAND-DOWN Report by Capt Brian Connolly (1 Cn Cois) T he stand-down parade of the RDF units of 4 Western Brigade took place on Sunday March 10th in Dún Uí Mhaoiliosa, Galway. The ceremony was a poignant occasion for those who took part, as it marked the ending of an old era and the welcoming of a new phase for RDF units in the West of Ireland. Attended by Brig Gen Diarmuid Fitzgerald (GOC 1 Bde) and Comdt Kevin McCarthy (OC 1 Cn Cois), the ceremony gave all 120 personnel on parade an opportunity to reflect on the past and to look forward to a bright future for the Reserve Defence Force. Brig Gen Fitzgerald, a native of Galway, commented: "Sunday's ceremony is an opportunity for members of 1 Cn Cois to pay tribute to the service, commitment and sacrifice of the soldiers of 51 Res Inf Bn, 54 Res Artillery Regiment, 54 Res Engr Coy and 54 Res LSB, and also acknowledges the significant accomplishments of these units, which were established in 2005 as a result of the Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan. "The RDF contributes to Ireland's defence capability by providing a capacity to augment the PDF in the event of a major crisis. It also serves as a source of recruitment for the PDF and provides a character-forming opportunity for young Irish men and women to serve the state. "The RDF has played a significant and appreciated role for Ireland and the Defence Forces in the past and will continue to play an important role in the future. This could not take place without the dedication and loyalty of the Officers, NCOs, men and women of the RDF." Brig Gen Fitzgerald inspects the parade www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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