An Cosantóir

SPORTS & CLUBS UPDATE DF TRIATHLON ASSOCIATION The DFTA is in its first established year after being inactive for a period of time. It has been setup to cater for triathletes of all levels within the Defence Forces. Whether you are a beginner looking to complete your first introductory event or a seasoned triathlete planning on that next PB, the DFTA will give personnel the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their desired goals. We have access to high performance coaches that will help you along the way through tutorials and workshops. We have a number of events that will be shared on the Connect App over the coming year and beyond so please keep a look out! DF MEN'S SOCCER The Defence Forces men's soccer team held a training camp from the 19th of March to the 21st of March in preparation for an upcoming tournament with a number of Dublin based ETB teams. The tournament takes place in Dublin from 28th of April until 29th of May. Looking forward the Dutch Armed Forces will visit Dublin for a friendly match in July. DF RUGBY DF Rugby commenced 2025 with the annual fixture against AGS. This fixture was deferred from 2024. The game was hosted by the AGS in their Templemore Facilities on 29 Jan 25. DF Women's Rugby lost by 15 to 24. DF Men's Rugby won their match by 45 to 10. In March, DF Rugby took on Norwich Military University Rugby, who travelled from Vermont, USA. This was an exciting fixture which re-ignited our relationship with our US colleagues. The match was hosted by the DF in Cill Dara RFC. It was a good day for all but especially the DF. DF Women's Rugby won their match by 47 points to 10. DF Men's Rugby won their match by 38 points to 0. Looking forward, DF Men's Rugby will take on Leinster Juniors in Clondalkin RFC on Wed 02 Apr 25 and the Connacht Juniors in Galway on Wed 09 Apr 25. The intent in Apr is to also conduct an Inter-Bde competition. DF Women's Rugby are busy preparing for their involvement in the upcoming Women's Military Rugby World Cup which will take place in the UK in Aug 25, and will have a number of training camps in the coming months. DF HURLING DF Hurling had a busy 2024 with matches against AIB, the 7's Chaplins Parsons Cup and Inter Bde Championships were hugely successful, last year the Inter Bde Championships were ran like a blitz which was very successful. We had a strong start to 2025: Over 20 students from the DF successfully completed the in-person Safeguarding 1 course and are now prepared to advance to the GAA Coaching Award 1 Course. Looking forward the DF Hurling committee prepare for the 2025 Chaplins Parsons Cup, Inter Bde Competitions, and the Representative Series. For more info follow us on the Internal Comms app @DF Hurling An Cosantóir March / April 2025 www.military.ie/magazine 32 |

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