An Cosantóir

SPORTS & CLUBS WOMEN'S SOCCER The Defence Forces Women's Soccer Team proudly represented Ireland at the inaugural CISM 7s Tournament in Belgium. Competing against military teams from across Europe, the team delivered a series of impressive performances and secured 4th place out of 7 – a fantastic achievement at this highly competitive international event. Their commitment, teamwork, and fighting spirit were on full display throughout the tournament, reflecting the best of the Defence Forces both on and off the pitch. Cpl Shannon Thomas (Team Captain) won the individual award of Player of the Tournament. The Irish team were awarded TEAM of the tournament due to their sportsmanship on the field and friendly nature off the field. WOMEN'S RUGBY The Defence Forces Women's Rugby team travel to the UK soon to partake in the Women's International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC 2025), to see fixtures and results follow their official Instagram page @defenceforces_womensrugby MEN'S RUGBY July 2025 On 02 July 25, DF Men's Rugby held the Hooker Regan 7s Tournament in Cashel RFC. Over 70 personnel and 6 Teams took part in this tournament. The winners were Collins Barracks who defeated DFHQ/ DFTC in the final. This marquee DF Sporting occasion was supported by various units across the DF including DF PRB, 1 Bde Ord Gp, 1 Bde CIS Gp and 1 BAR. The other teams who competed were 3 Inf Bn, Custume Barracks, The NS and Cathal Brugha Barracks. August 2025 DF Men's Rugby are preparing for an away fixture against the Dutch Military Rugby Team on 30 Aug 25 in the National Rugby Stadium, Amsterdam. The team will travel to Amsterdam from 28-31 Aug 25. This fixture further strengthens our cooperation with the Dutch Military who are keen on developing rugby in their organisation. A training day will take place on Wed 20 Aug 25 to prepare for this fixture. DEFENCE FORCES ROWING CLUB – END OF SEASON REVIEW [2024/25] As the sun sets on another incredible season, it's time to reflect on a year of hard work, fierce competition, personal bests, and unforgettable moments for the Defence Forces Rowing Club and its members. From cold winter mornings on the water at the National Rowing Centre to championship finals under blue skies, this season has truly showcased the spirit and strength of our club and more importantly its members. Performance Highlights This year saw impressive achievements across all crews. Our senior competitive crews delivered standout performances throughout the season. Notable highlights include strong finishes and wins in the Skibbereen Head, Cork Regatta, Cappoquin, Castleconnell St Michaels and most notable the national championships where the club picked up its first ever national Championships winners medals with Pte Danny Scanlon and Pte Dave Collins rowing to the clubs first ever national title In the Masters B Category. All of this being a quite remarkable season for the club who only some three years ago did not exist and is now lead by former three time Olympian, and two time world champion Ms Sanita Purspora. Sanita has implemented her own continuous improvement programme that involves a High Performance mentality backed up by a technical yet simplistic method of rowing, the components of this were some hard work in the gym or on the water, one which our athletes, both social and competitive, have gained so much from. This has led to immense growth and determination, with several rowers An Cosantóir July / August 2025 www.military.ie/magazine 28 | All smiles after being awarded The team of the tournament award Cpl Shannon Thomas (Team Captain) pictured with her award for Player of the Tournament

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