An Cosantóir

EDITORIAL The fact that an article appears in this magazine does not indicate official approval of the views expressed by the author. © Published by OiC Public Relations Branch for the Defence Forces at DFHQ, Block 5, Ceannt Bks, DFTC, Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)45 445312 Comdt Helen Hosback info@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5306 MANAGER: Sgt John Rossiter connect@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 EDITOR: A/M Sam Gibney photo@military.ie PHOTOGRAPHER: Mr Seán Shinnors MAGAZINE ARCHIVIST: Tony O'Brien CIVILIAN JOURNALIST: FRONT COVER JM Publishing & Media Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)87 1344135 Email: info@jmpublishing.ie DESIGNER/ADVERTISING: Cpl Martin Bennett subs@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5312 ADMIN NCO: Cpl Eric Ryan magazine@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5308 DF/PR INFORMATION: Sgt Louise McDonald webmaster@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 DF WEBMASTER: journalist@military.ie PHOTO/JOURNALIST: Vacant Hello, and welcome to our first issue of 2023, our 83rd volume of the An Cosantóir magazine. We hope you enjoy reading this edition and will continue to enjoy reading all the other An Cosantóir magazines we will publish in 2023. We are always interested in feature articles for the magazine; if you are interested in submitting an article, or have any suggestions for articles, please email magazine@military.ie Our Noticeboard page this issue features a short piece with some pictures showing our DF Values award winners for 2022. In our first piece of our 2023 edition, we have an important remembrance feature where we remember, and offer a prayer for all of our brothers and sisters who passed in service during 2022. This is followed by an obituary to Pte Seán Rooney who sadly lost his life in December 2022 in the service of peace while serving in UNIFIL. On Parade features four pages of pictures from the best of 2022 for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service and Overseas. These pictures include a link to the DF Flickr albums where all the pictures can be found. We feature "The 41st An Cosantóir 10km race" by Sgt John Rossiter, which outlines the day of the Defence Forces An Cosantóir 10km race, covering the race day and its winners, while recognising the importance of the day to all. In our next feature, Comdt Joseph Tynan outlines the upgraded Cavalry simulator located in the Cavalry School in the DFTC. In an article about DF Men's GAA, Comdt Alan Courtney describes the various matches that took place in 2022 culminating in the Representative Series against the AGS, BOI and AIB. 'Abandon Perfection' – Comdt Gavin Egerton discusses his experience with Mission Command; he describes how this is practiced from senior ranks down to the most junior rank. In "Leading the Team', Lt Brian Dunne talks to us about his unit's preparation for the An Cosantóir block race, after the success of the 28 Inf Bn Block in the block race. In our final feature BSM David O' Reilly speaks to us about Mentoring & Coaching and the huge potential it has for individuals within the Defence Forces. As always, we have our regular features including PSS, which in this issue of 'Headspace and Timing' discusses death and bereavement and outlines the supports available to members of the DF; as well as our 'Internal Comms' piece for all the serving soldiers who read the magazine, and not forgetting our book reviews on page 24. "Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. But first they have to understand that their neighbour is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions." — Paolo Coelho Sgt John Rossiter – Editor By Airman Sam Gibney

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