An Cosantóir January / February 2025 www.military.ie/magazine
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CONTENTS
Volume 85
Number 01
JAN/FEB 2025
DCOS (SP) INTERVIEW
04
D CS & ISTAR 2024 IN REVIEW
07
JITC RECRUITS
08
MP SENIOR NCO COURSE
09
DF VALUES AWARDS
10
THE UNDERGRADUATE AWARD
12
EXERCISE SIEGE ENGINE
14
ICMD & ENGINEERING YO'S COURSE
17
RDF PO'S COURSE
18
GENAD COURSE
24
DF RUGBY
22
PEOPLE OF THE DF
ON PARADE
SPORTS & CLUBS
FROM THE ARCHIVES
20
30
32
34
W
elcome to the first edition of An Cosantóir for 2025! This issue kicks off the new year with a continuation of 2024
in review, including a review by Col Tom McGrath, who reflects on the key achievements of D Combat Support & ISTAR.
We also feature an interview from the outgoing DCOS (SP) Major General Adrian Ó Murchú. We've made some changes
to the layout of the magazine this year, moving On Parade and our regular features to the back to give more space upfront
for the main articles and stories. Looking ahead, we'll continue to bring you operational highlights and insights from across
the Defence Forces. This edition features more stories from the RDF, and we plan to showcase even more from our reservists
throughout 2025. As always, sports remain an important part of military life, bringing camaraderie and team spirit to our
community. Comdt Niall Wilcox penned a feature on rugby in the Defence Forces, which explores the history and impact of
the sport within our ranks. We are looking for articles on training, operations, sports, history, and personal stories from across
the Defence Forces. If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear from you. We hope you enjoy this edition of An Cosantóir!
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." — Phil Jackson
From the editor
— Cpl Eric Ryan
IRISH DESERTERS DURING WWII
26
BOOK REVIEW
29
10
04
18
