An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir September / October 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 32 | FOR REGULAR UPDATES ON ANY OF THESE CLUBS, PLEASE LOG ONTO THE CONNECT APP DF Sports & Clubs Update Rowing The Defence Forces Rowing club has recently returned to winter training in preparation for the Rowing Ireland season which kicks off in the coming weeks. Behind the scenes our members are putting in a lot of time both on water and indeed on land training in order to be more successful in our second year as an affiliated club within Rowing Ireland. The club currently are based out of the National Rowing Centre Cork, however one big development is the decentralisation of our club back to the old grounds formally occupied by the Defence Forces Rowing Association in Islandbridge. Recent works involved clearing the site commenced in early Sept and our heartfelt thanks go to CQMS John Judge of G4 2 Bde for all his help for this. Our long-term plan is to return rowing to Dublin for our current rowers based within Dublin and surrounding areas, However, long term plans for Islandbridge may also involve utilising the site for all DF wide water sports, such as Triathlons, Kayaking, Diving, Adventure Races and of course Rowing. Boxing The Defence Forces boxers have begun their preparations for the upcoming Elite Championships. Pictured are Comdt Shane Courtney, Officer Commanding DFPES, alongside Pte Sean Mari, the current 51kg Elite Champion, Pte Shauna Kearney, the current 75kg Elite Champion, and Sgmn Aaron O'Donoghue, the current 63.5kg Elite Champion. This marks the first time the Defence Forces have won three Elite titles at a single championship. Also pictured are Sgt John Molloy, Head Coach and Technical Coordinator, and Comdt John Moody, Team Manager and President of Defence Forces Boxing. The boxers have received tremendous support from their Military Units and colleagues, whose encouragement has been invaluable in their success. Pte Sean Mari is aiming for his fourth Elite Boxing Title this year, with Pte Ross Hickey, a former Elite Champion, in his corner. Having transitioned into a coaching role, Pte Hickey brings a wealth of experience at the elite level to support Mari in his pursuit of victory. Leading the team is Sgt John Molloy, whose leadership and expertise have been instrumental in their success. Sgt Molloy has achieved unprecedented results at both national and international levels, with his meticulous and strategic approach elevating the Defence Forces boxing team to new heights. His dedication, passion, and attention to detail make him the driving force and the very heartbeat of the team. Soccer Women's Soccer Team played the Belgian Armed Forces 28th August 2024. An intense match where Belgian Armed Forces Came out with a 3-1 Win. 04th Sept 2024 Men's and Women's Teams were presented with their International Caps from Brian Kerr in McKee Barracks. A presentation was also made to RSM (retired) Anthony Jinks for his contribution to DF soccer. 26th Sept 2024 Women's Team Played a Friendly match against Newbridge Town FC. Despite the wet and cold conditions, it was an intense match with the DF Women's team coming away with a 5-3 victory. Latest learn to row NRC The land and plans for development in Island Bridge DF Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club: Training Day at civilian club DF BJJ club: Tpr Dylan O'Donovan 1 Bde, after winning national and international medals Brian Kerr speaking about the international cap prior to the presentation Sgt Kim Turner receiving the international cap

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