An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September / October 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 26 | A thletics training is integral to military training and the sport of athletics has naturally been embedded in the culture of the Defence Forces since the foundation of the organisation in 1923. This is demonstrated in the perpetual trophies that are competed for each year to this day by Defence Forces athletes. An example of one of these trophies is the Duggan Shield, the much sought after trophy for the winning team in the Defence Forces senior men's cross-country championships every year. The trophy contains the names of each individual member of every team that has won the event since 1923. The organisation of Defence Forces championship events in athletics falls to the DF Athletics Committee. It is not known exactly when the committee was established but it is understood that it has operated in one form or another since the early 1930s. The committee organises championship events across the various sub-disciplines of the sport every year. Sub-disciplines include cross-country running, track and field (indoor and outdoor) and road running. While running is probably the aspect of the sport that most of us can relate to (many will recall being dragged out to run schools' cross-country events, willingly or otherwise!), in recent years field events including the long jump, shot putt and "weight for distance" throw have enjoyed a revival and developed a strong following across the Defence Forces. This is thanks to the tireless efforts of Comdt Tom Bouchier (3 Inf Bn), our Field Events Rep on the athletics committee and a keen proponent of these more specialized aspects of the sport. As well as taking part in athletics events on-island, Defence Forces members have the fantastic opportunity to represent the organisation at international military events organized by CISM ('Conseil Internationale du sport Militaire' or International Council for Military Sport). At this level, focusing on its area of strength, which is in cross-country running, Defence Forces teams have regularly achieved podium placings in both the men's and women's events at European level CISM events – in Switzerland in 2012 and in Belgium in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. In 2018 and 2023 respectively, Capt Liz Carr placed second and third individual in the women's race at the international CISM cross-country in Belgium, an outstanding achievement at this elite level. In 2022 and 2023 Sgmn Josh Hourihan-O'Sullivan (Army Reserve) placed fifth overall in a world class men's race at the same event. The athletics committee are currently planning for the Defence Forces cross-country championships, which are scheduled to take place in 1 Brigade on 06 November. The senior men's and women's event at the cross-country championships will double as "trial" races to select teams to represent the Defence Forces at the CISM international cross-country in Belgium in mid-December. As well as the senior/trial events, there will also be events for junior/novice athletes and masters runners (over age 40). Runners of all ages/abilities (PDF and Reserve) are welcome and encouraged to take part. For information on upcoming athletics events keep an eye out on IKON and on the Connect app. Details of your local athletics Rep can also be found on the Connect app. PROFILES OF ATHLETICS COMMITTEE MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT Warrant Officer Tom Kelly (Retired) Tom joined the Defence Forces as an apprentice in 1972 qualifying as an electrician in 1975. He later qualified as an electrical artificer in the Naval Service and went on to serve there for the next 42 years. He is one of five brothers to pass through the army apprentice school. As well as being a committee member for many years Tom was a keen athlete in his day. Highlights of his athletics career include being a member of the winning Defence Forces Athletics Defence Forces Athletics ARTICLE BY COMDT NOEL CONWAY CHAIRMAN DF ATHLETICS COMMITTEE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COMDT NOEL CONWAY Team Event Winners 2012 with the Duggan Shield Cadets competing on the Watershed athletic track in Kilkenny Airman Jason McCormack throwing the shot putt at this year's athletics event in Kilkenny Ladies 100m Sprint on the Watershed athletic track in Kilkenny at the 2024 event Warrant Officer (Retired) Tom Kelly

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