An Cosantóir

| 33 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE VOLUNTEERISM WITHIN THE DEFENCE FORCES To mention a few is to omit many but some stand out for the duration of outstanding commitment and dedication to the sport. The Defence Forces has and continues to make a significant contribution in both playing and the important leadership and administration of the sport to ensure that it can continue to thrive. Company Sergeant Billy Coffey is one such person who continued this role of volunteerism in Cork Basketball over four decades. A former member of the Band in Collins Barracks, Billy gave over 40 years to Cork Basketball. Sadly Billy passed away in 2021 and was lauded for his selfless and immense contribution to the sport. "For the majority of us involved in basketball he was a guardian of the sport on so many levels and he held everybody to high standards as it was all about accountability and doing your business correctly just as he did during his lifetime". It was fitting that a National U18 tournament is now named after him in his memory. The Defence Forces over the years has seen so many great contributions from where it all began with Sgt Major Doogan, the first President of the sport Colonel Byrne, and the 1948 Olympic Team of which the majority were from the Army and some great players across many generations such as Simon Kennedy, Gordon and Paul Fitzgerald as examples. In more recent times, retired members Sgt Major Fergus McMahon, Cpl Joe O'Meara, Capt Mick Hickey played a central role in keeping the sport alive as well as the many serving personnel including Brigadier General Brendan McGuinness, Jayne Lawlor, Dave McKnight, Gemma Fagan and Gordon Fitzgerald. The contribution of many former and current members of the Defence Forces continues with many involved in playing, coaching, officiating, committees and managing to keep the sport as successful as it is. WOMEN'S COMPETITION The Women's competition plays a central role in the sport in the Defence Forces and one of the few sports which has its competitions held at the same time as the Men's competition. Prior to the separation of the competitions, the competition included players from both men and women across the organisation. The introduction of the ladies game to Ireland appears to be not long after the sport itself was introduced when the "Women's basketball on the Curragh had its formal opening on the 14th Inst. when the first match was played at the Garrison Gymnasium" as referenced in the Leinster Leader on 5th February 1927. For many years there was no separate Women's competition although they successfully competed in many DF Basketball Championships. This was to change as pace gathered in the early 2000's with teams set up by Jayne Lawlor in the Curragh and Sharon McManus in the South restarting the Women's competition with the first Inter Brigade game only a few months later. Thanks also to Gemma Fagan who would help grow the number of teams and the first Defence Forces Women's competition started officially in 2004 increasing quickly into a nine team competition including the Reserve Defence Forces. Alongside the men's competition, the Women's game would also play an annual challenge match against An Garda Síochána up until recent years. There has been many alongside Sgt Major Doogan since the early days including Capt Horgan of the Special Infantry Corps to the first President Colonel Joe Byrne of the Amateur Basketball Association of Ireland. The Defence Forces has and continues to play a similar role in the success of the sport over many decades from top international referees, players, managers, administrators and officials providing the back bone to many clubs and organisations across the country. Some of note who made significant contributions to the sport in the Defence Forces and also to their local clubs include RSM Jerry Dineen, Col Brendan O'Shea, Sgt Dessie O'Reilly, Sgt Denis Earley, Comdt Dermot Sherriff, Sgt Paddy Mulalley, Sgt Joe Dempsey to name a few. The Defence Forces has in more recent years also had players, coaches and referees at National Level including Conor Gallagher, Julian O'Keeffe and Kevin Donohue. Apologies for any omissions of names, which is no reflection on their contribution but rather a reflection of my time involved with Defence Forces basketball. Recent events such as the pandemic have proved challenging for the both the men's and women's game in the Defence Forces but it is hoped that we can continue a long tradition of volunteerism and get the sport back up and running again with competitions including a previous annual fixture with An Garda Síochána. It is great to see so many ex members of the Defence Forces remain involved in the administration of the sport long after they left the organisation. I would like to thank the many past and present members of the Defence Forces who have grown the sport of basketball for over 100 years and who continue to give their time freely for the sport within their communities. We can be proud of the role that our predecessors played in the sport acting as the vanguard for basketball in Ireland. This early and continued contribution throughout 100 years has given hundreds of thousands of people the opportunity to play the sport of basketball. I hope that this short article is a small reminder and recognition of their contribution to the sport of basketball in the past and for those that continue to contribute of which there are too many to mention. ABOUT SGT MAJOR DOOGAN About Sgt Major Michael J Doogan, born 03 July 1893, served with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers prior to joining the National Army and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Following his service in the British Army in the rank of Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 he was attached to the Army Gymnastic Staff. Sgt Major Doogan enlisted in the National Army on 17 July 1922 serving until he was discharged on 16 May 1940 with 9.5 years full time and nearly 8.5 years in the Reserve including service with the 7 Inf Bn, 2 Bn Regiment of Dublin and the 6th Reserve Battalion. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 33 Team picture from Ballincollig gym The Defence Forces Championship Cup is one of the oldest in the country dating back to 1928 when the 5th Brigade were the victors Picture of Sgt Maj Michael Doogan With thanks to Cooke, Jim, Participation and Excellent, A sixty-year history. 1935- 1995, Sports and Cultural Council

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