An Cosantóir

| 13 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Throughout the week, the Irish DF team fostered a great relationship with the chief of volunteers and President of the club, Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Retd) John Bepko, most likely borne out of the fact that his late wife Kathleen was Irish. It was a very rewarding week for the entire team on their return to CISM golf, the pinnacle of the game for any member of the DF playing golf. The DF men's team with a very determined performance over the four (4) days won a well deserved bronze medal. Three (3) players from the team finished in the top twenty (20) on a very demanding course that required their full concentration throughout. Our youngest competitor, Pte James Everard (3 Inf Bn), a member of Kilkenny Golf Club was the highest placed individual from the DF team, finishing in 8th position with a very credible +1 score after the four (4) days. The performance of Cpl Joe Hannigan (DFHQ, CIS) a member of Headford Golf Club, deserves special recognition, he finished just outside the top ten (10) individual but won a bronze medal for his incredible golf in the senior category, capped off with an incredible -4 score on day one of the competition. As the hosts, USA were the hot favorites to complete the clean sweep in the individual and team in the male and female events. In the end the USA won gold in the men's and ladies team events, with France winning silver in both. Germany won the bronze medal in ladies team with the DF finishing in a very credible 5th place. On conclusion of the golf there was the prize giving, speeches and closing ceremony and we all watched with immense pride as the medals were presented to the winners. Cpl Joe Hannigan stepped forward to collect his senior bronze medal and the men's team collected their bronze medals. As a result of our success, we finished in third place in the medal table behind USA and France, a very successful return to CISM golf. The President of the Admiral Baker Golf Course, Rear Admiral, United States Navy, (Retd) John Bepko made a very special presentation to each member of the Irish Team prior to our departure to round off a great week. This competition showcased the ability of the DF men's and ladies golfing community. It also demonstrated how positively a team of DF personnel from diverse Units, backgrounds and experiences can bond quickly and represent the DF and Ireland as powerful ambassadors both competitively on the golf course and socially among international peers. Plans for DF golf in 2024 began almost immediately on our return including the appointment of Bde/ Fmn reps for 2024 and these are: 1 Bde – Lt Col Ian Harrington 2 Bde – Capt Shane O'Neill FTC – Comdt Damien Keogh and Cpl Jason Thorpe AC – Capt Mark Doyle NS – CPO Thomas Plunkett Bde/ Fmn Championships will kick off the DF calendar in 2024, the known dates and locations are listed below to assist with planning purposes. 1 Bde – 2nd May, Limerick Golf Club 2 Bde – 9th May, Castleknock Golf Club DFTC – 13th May, Royal Curragh Golf Club AC – Castleknock Golf Club (Date TBC) NS - 1st May, Castlemartyr Golf Club On conclusion of the Bde/ Fmn Championships, all roads will lead to the DF Championships to be hosted by GOC AC in Castleknock Golf Club on the 27/ 28 May 2024. In an effort to promote golf to those new to the game or indeed returning after a break for one reason or another, there may be slots available for those with or without a Golf Ireland Handicap Index to play in the Bde/ Fmn Championships, check with your rep to see what's available. DF Matchplay Golf where teams of seven (7) from each Bde/ Fmn compete against each other to determine the winner will be played on a date to be confirmed later in the year. On the 2nd of September, the first Monday of the month in the Royal Curragh Golf Club golfers can compete in the highlight of stableford golf in the DF, the Collins Cup. A cup presented by the family of General Michael Collins in 1926, open to serving and retired members of the DF, members of the Army Nursing Service and relatives of the Collins family. On the representative side of golf, the DF will also compete in the Fitzgerald Kenny Cup played against our colleagues and hosts for 2024, An Garda Síochána. No date or location has been confirmed at the time of publication but this will be notified through reps on confirmation. The Lt Gen Dermot Earley competition, named in honour of our former Chief of Staff will see the DF compete against An Garda Síochána, Oireachtas Golf Society and some well known friends of our former Chief of Staff representing the GAA. The Bond of Friendship will also be played in 2024, hosted by the DF in Kilkenny Golf Club. A competition played annually since 2006 against An Garda Síochána, PSNI and Irish Guards representing the UK Armed Forces. The 15th CISM World Golf Championships are scheduled for June 2024, it's hoped that the DF golf team will travel and build on the success of 2023 championships. CISM Golf is the pinnacle for DF golfers competing in the game and provides an opportunity to showcase our skills at the highest level internationally. For anyone interested in golf and looking for more information on how to get involved, contact your Bde/ Fmn rep for more details. Team Manager, DF players and Chief of Mission, Brig Gen McGuinness at the medal award ceremony Long time DF golfer Cpl Richard Finn Comdt Elaine Guinan before tee off

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