www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE
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tives. In the midst of this it was important to me to keep
active by going to the gym or sprint sessions and runs in the
MHQ. Throughout the six months, every Tuesday and Friday,
IRCON 13 conducted circuit classes and pilates for all staff
stationed in the Headquarters. I found this a great opportu-
nity to get to know and have fun with the other contingents
while also maintaining my fitness.
Over all the job we did in EUTM Mali was challenging,
rewarding and varied. No two days were exactly the same,
meaning flexibility and being able to adjust were key
requirements. As mentioned previously, the
job of JTT required our presence at the air-
port where we meet and greeted all EUTM
staff coming to and from the mission area.
The proudest part of my job was having the
opportunity to 'Cead Mile Failte agus Slan
Abhaile' to all of these EUTM personnel on a
daily basis.
My name is Lt Nicole Kelly. I am from
Clonaslee, Co Laois, which is just at the
foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. I
was commissioned with the 93rd cadet class
to Tpt Coy,DFTC in Jan 2018. Before this in
2012, I trained in 1st Mechanised Infantry
Coy, DFTC with the 101st Recruit Platoon.
From here I was posted to 3rd Battalion,
Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny where I was fortunate enough
to serve overseas with the 44th Infantry Group to UNDOF.
I have completed a BA in Sports and Exercise and also a BA
in Business Management at Institute of Technology Carlow.
Throughout my army career I have been involved with many
Defence Forces teams such as Basketball, Football and Soc-
cer. My new home club is Eadestown GAA where last year we
were successful in winning the Senior Football Championship
County Final.
