An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 10 | 2024 was a pivotal year for the Defence Forces Press Office, as it managed the national and international media landscape on behalf of the Defence Forces. Beyond managing ongoing media relations, the office spearheaded several high profile and impactful projects that highlighted the multifaceted work of Defence Forces personnel. A cornerstone of the year's work involved facilitating media access to overseas missions and international exercises, offering the public a deeper understanding of the Defence Forces' global operations. In February, Justin McCarthy from RTÉ embedded with the 123 Inf Bn UNIFIL, covering the escalating conflict in the region. This rare opportunity brought viewers closer to the realities faced by Irish peacekeepers. The same month saw a first for the Press Office and Irish media: Irish journalists Niall O'Connor (Journal.ie), Conor Gallagher (The Irish Times), and Mick O'Toole (Irish Daily Star) visited the UNDOF mission in Syria for the first time to report on its final deployment. May marked another milestone when several media representatives accompanied the Tánaiste and the Chief of Staff to Lebanon, providing coverage of their visit and further emphasising Ireland's contributions to peacekeeping efforts. On the training front, the Press Office brought members of the media to visit major international exercises, including Exercise Guardian Shield in Vienna and EUBG MilEx24 in Bergen. These events showcased the Defence Forces' participation in cutting-edge, multinational training initiatives. The Press Office's involvement extended beyond traditional military operations. In 2024, they participated in Exercise Locked Shields, a NATO led international cybersecurity exercise conducted with the National Cyber Security Centre. Ireland's debut in the exercise saw them place in the top 20 overall. The Strategic Communications team, which included Press Office representatives, earned a joint first-place finish. The Press Office team continued to upskill throughout the year. Capt Clancy completed both Basic and Advanced NATO PfP Crisis Communications courses in Switzerland, while Sgt Kennedy earned a Level 7 RPL in Leadership, Management, and Defence Studies. Additionally, three new students were enrolled in the MA in Political Communications at Dublin City University, ensuring the office remains at the forefront of strategic communication. From frontlines to firewalls, the Press Office continues to play a vital role in shaping narratives and strengthening the Defence Forces' connection with the public, and they look forward to a busy 2025. BY CAPT KEVIN KENNY BEHIND THE HEADLINES: THE PRESS OFFICE IN 2024 Public Relations Branch Staff Media group C-295 launch flight Baldonnel Media visit to 124 Inf Bn UNIFIL MRE Media Group visit to UNIFIL in May

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