An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir January / February 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 26 | FOR REGULAR UPDATES ON ANY OF THESE CLUBS, PLEASE LOG ONTO THE CONNECT APP DF Sports & Clubs Update DF MEN'S SOCCER CISM triangular tournament was held in Dublin from the 03-09 Dec 23. This was a super tournament that was played in the top facilities at Crumlin United FC. The DF men's team would like to thank them for their hospitality over the tournament. The tournament was an intense one with three games in five days played at a ferocious tempo with no quarter given by any team as you would expect from soldiers representing their country. It was a case of ecstasy to agony for our team with a superb start against a strong Canadian team but then not capitalised on in the final game against the USA team. We scored an excellent goal in the first game to take the three points and set up a de facto final against the USA after they also beat the Canadian team. In a fierce game in tough conditions on a windy day in Crumlin we had a battle, with a penalty misses for both sides, red cards and multiple shots off the bar. It was an intense and entertaining game to say the least. In the end a break by the talented USA side won the game and as such the tournament overall. We want to thank both sides for making a huge effort to make this a special week and hope to continue it going forward. It was a true reflection of the CISM motto of friendship through sport. Playing at Crumlin United FC meant a lot to the team as we gave everything in honour of Glen Fulham (RIP) in what was his home club. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, without their assistance this tournament could not have happened. Overall Results Game 1 DF Men's 1-0 Canadian Forces Game 2 Canadian Forces 0-1 USA Game 3 DF Men's 0-1 USA DF WOMEN'S SOCCER A super game of football was played in Galway recently against the Belgium Armed Forces in the excellent facilities at Mervue Utd. The team is currently in transition as players have retired, hung up their boots while some others have recently deployed overseas. This of course has given opportunities to new players to come on board, and these players all stepped up to the task. The game ebbed and flowed with the Irish taking the lead 1-0, Belgium then came back to 1-1. Soon after they took the lead 2-1, then 2-2 and again Belgium went ahead 3-2. We then showed great character to fight back to 3-3 in what was a thrilling game. A fantastic display by both sides in this CISM challenge. A huge credit to all the staff who continue to bring this team forward building an ethos of desire and a never say die attitude. A massive effort by all our players and many thanks to the refereeing team on the day. The team is only on the up and we look forward to seeing where it leads to in 2024. SOCCER: Crumlin FC who were excellent hosts for the tournament SOCCER: Cpl Jody Dillon ready to challenge for the ball SOCCER: Cpl Chris Kenny ready to shoot SOCCER: DF team before kick off SOCCER: Both teams before kick off SOCCER: Teams standing during national anthems SOCCER: Cpl Chloe Foy chasing hard to win the ball SOCCER: A top class save by the Belgium keeper

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