An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1494159
21 INTERVIEW WITH LT BRIAN DUNNE reassurance. Hopefully the gym in camp will be allowed to re-open and we will be able to use the facility and its staff for group prehab to reduce the risk of injury for future events. Motivation leading up to and including the race, is relatively easy. The An Cosantóir race, in my opinion, is the best day on the DF calendar. Every member of the team is there because they volunteered to represent the unit. We only ask that they give their best. Soldiers in my experience are competitive and competition helps to bring the best out of everyone. What do you enjoy about running with a block? Running is rarely anything other than a solitary sport or pastime. To get the opportunity to run side-by-side with friends and colleagues representing our unit in a race and to not be competing against them, is a memorable experience. I enjoy the camaraderie and shouts of encouragement within the block, particularly in the latter stages when the group is starting to dig deep. The feeling of achievement when the group crosses the finish line, knowing that we have made an honest effort, is second to none. I maintain particular respect for the teammate who know that they may fall off the back of the group if everyone runs to their level, but are still willing to selflessly line up and give their maximum. If you could give a single piece of advice to future unit block captains, what would it be? My advice to anyone considering becoming a block captain and entering a block would be, to just do it. Regardless of who is available for the block or what other commitments the unit has at the time, regardless of how quick or slow you think you can run, or whether you think you will come first or last, just enter. The positive outcome for you as captain and the unit as a whole, is the same. Even if it has to be walked, it is my opinion that every unit in the Defence Forces should enter a team. It is a small part of what makes the DF unique, and we should embrace it. 28 Inf Bn just a few minutes into the race 28 Inf Bn crossing the finish line 28 Inf Bn team and team Captain Lt Brian Dunne receiving their awards from D Cos (Ops) Maj Gen Anthony McKenna