An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May / June 2025 www.military.ie/magazine www.military www.military T he Defence Forces Boxing Team continues to go from strength to strength, proudly representing the Defence Forces on the international stage while driving standards and participation within the organisation itself. The team's recent success at an elite international tournament in France, where two boxers secured hard-earned gold medals against high-caliber European opposition, highlights just how far the programme has progressed in recent years. This latest international outing was not only a milestone in terms of performance, but also a reflection of a broader journey that Defence Forces Boxing has taken across Europe over the past three years. Since 2022, the team has competed in several high- profile multinational military boxing tournaments, including in Warendorf, Germany (2022, 2023, and 2024), and in the Netherlands (2023). These tournaments have offered invaluable exposure to international competition for our athletes and coaching staff, helping raise the standard across the board. To date, over 30 different Defence Forces boxers and coaches have gained experience through these events, and the benefits are clearly visible, not only at the elite level, but in the growth and improvement of grassroots boxing within the Defence Forces. BUILDING FOR SUCCESS – PREPARATION AT HOME In the lead-up to the tournament in France, the Defence Forces Boxing Team completed two weeks of intensive training in the DFTC. This pre-competition camp focused on physical conditioning, technical refinement, sparring, and tactical preparation. Under the guidance of Head Coach Sgt John Molloy, alongside Pte Ross Hickey and Sgt Stephen Kelly, the squad was brought to peak condition in a short space of time. Each session was designed to maximise performance, with clear emphasis placed on discipline, teamwork, and the values that define the Defence Forces: respect, integrity, excellence, and service. Key to this preparation was the opportunity to spar with some of Ireland's top-level talent. The team engaged in high-quality sparring sessions at Crumlin Boxing Club and Docklands Boxing Club, two of the nation's premier boxing gyms. These sessions not only sharpened the athletes technically but also helped raise their confidence levels ahead of facing elite international opposition. A special mention must go to Crumlin's Head Coach, Philip Sutcliffe, a two-time Olympian and former Defence Forces member whose support and mentorship continues to have a deep and lasting impact. Philip served as Head Coach when the Defence Forces first competed in a CISM boxing tournament in Denmark back in 1992. His passion for boxing and commitment to service remain a shining example to all involved. PERFORMANCE IN FRANCE – HEART, SKILL, AND DETERMINATION The recent competition in France saw the Defence Forces Boxing Team face off against some of Europe's best military fighters. Two of our athletes returned home with gold medals, while two others fell just short in narrow, hard-fought contests. 22 | ARTICLE BY COMDT JOHN MOODY PRESIDENT, DEFENCE FORCES BOXING Pte Ross Hickey (Coach), Tpr Brian Kennedy (Winner at 86kg) and Sgt John Molloy (Head Coach) Pte Matthew Doev lands a punch (Finalist at 85Kg) Sgt John Molloy (Head Coach), Cpl Jamie Long (Winner at 67kg) and Pte Ross Hickey (Coach) PUNCHING ABOVE OUR WEIGHT Defence Forces Boxing on the Rise at Home and Abroad

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