An Cosantóir

| 21 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE LISA O'HALLORAN D COY 1 CN COIS LT (AR) What is your profession? I have been a registered nurse for over 14 years, a registered midwife for over 10 years, and I re- cently qualified as a nurse/midwife prescriber. I am currently working as a Clinical Midwife Manager on the labour ward in University Hospital Galway. When and why did you join the DF RES? I joined the DF Reserve over 15 years ago. Mem- bers of the DF visited our school as part of a recruitment campaign. I joined with a group of friends; we were excited to try something different. We travelled to Dún Ui Mhaoilíosa for a night pa- rade, and from the first day I loved it. The mixture of physical training, tactical and weapons training was completely different to anything I had ever experienced. How long have you been playing football for the DF and how did you get involved? I started playing football with the DF in 2022. I was talking to a member of the management team in my home unit about playing football with my local club Killannin when he mentioned an upcoming training day for the DF ladies' football. He asked if I would be interested in playing and I jumped at the opportunity! What was your first experience of playing with the DF team like? Like joining any new team, nerves were very much present. I didn't know anyone else on the team, and I was worried that my fitness wouldn't be up to par. As we got started with the warm-up and got a few kicks of the ball, the nerves quickly settled, and I began to enjoy the session. What does it mean to you personally to represent the DF in football? I have had a very positive experience over the years in the defence forces, I have always been proud to wear the uniform. To have the opportu- nity to play football with the defence forces has certainly enhanced that sense of pride. At the age of 36, I'm not sure how many more years I will be fit to play football. To have the opportunity to wear the defence forces jersey, to be out on a pitch play- ing football under the guidance of an All-Ireland winning Galway player, and to play alongside other inter-county and experienced players is incredible. Do you think it is important for RES personnel to be involved in a DF sports team? If so, why? Yes, absolutely. I believe any opportunity to be involved in an integrated event is of benefit to all members of the DF. Teamwork is a core compo- nent of training in the DF. Being involved in a DF sports team as a reservist offers the opportunity to meet people from other units and backgrounds, but also enhances the single force with permanent and reserve members working together as a team. How do you balance your busy work schedule with DF football? I'm fortunate with my work schedule as I work shifts, and I also have wonderful colleagues that will always swap a shift if needed! So, I can usually schedule my work days to be available for training and matches. My work can be stressful at times, so it is important for me to have a focus outside of work. Training with the Reserve and playing football have always been a great switch off from work for me, to be able to mix the two has been fantastic. PLAYER PROFILE

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