An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 9 Farrell scored an amazing four trys, including one shortlisted for try of the tournament. Captain Caoimhe Molloy crashed over for the equaliser when it counted the most and Gnr Patricia Coote kicked a penalty to edge us ahead. Every player left their blood, sweat, and tears on that field and it was in these moments of struggle that we truly saw the heart and determination of our team. Fiji Semi-Final – 0:74 Loss Though the result was harsh it did not reflect the effort displayed. Every try conceded was hard earned, every defensive stand fought with courage, and we showed through DF values of physical courage, selflessness and loyalty and gave a brave effort against a world class opponent, many of whom had represent Fiji on the international 7s circuit. UK Armed Forces 3rd/4th Place Playoff – 5:76 Loss A momentous experience walking behind our Irish colours out on to a prestige Kingsholm stadium in Gloucester, and standing shoulder to shoulder as Amhrán na bhFiann echoed through the international field, a moment of pride and triumph in the Irish Jersey and even though it was a challenging match, the final highlight was Lt Laura Biasiotto's last-minute try, a wonderful display of strength and determination. Management and Support: Leading from the Top Behind every success squad there is a vital support network. Col Jayne Lawlor, Chief of Delegation, and a former Leinster and Irish player, set the tone for professionalism and inclusivity. Comdts Sarah O'Regan and Jane O'Neill, our meticulous Team Managers, ably assisted by Sgt Hazel Brennan ensured every administrative and logistical detail ran seamlessly. The coaching team of Comdt Ní Dhroma, Cpl Martin Cummins and Sgt Paddy Behan provided tactical and strategic expertise while physio Richie McGrath and the medical team of Sgts Michelle Bradley and Brian O'Keeffe, kept us ready to perform with Referee Pte Paudie Sheehan representing us from the middle of the field. Off the Field: Friendship and Culture The World Cup journey was enriched by experiences off the pitch. We trained at London Irish RFC, enjoyed afternoon tea with the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr Martin Fraser, and had jerseys presented by former Irish international and tv pudit, Anna Caplice. On Culture Night, we shared hurling skills with Zambians and Tongans and learned their tribe dances. The Fijians fell in love with the Bodhrán and we taught nations the Irish Jig, but moments we treasure most were simple gathering around compression boots in Richie's physio room, enduring ice baths together, while laughing through the pain and hilarious board game nights in each other's rooms. These experiences wove the fabric of our friendship. Support and Reflection Support throughout the tournament was phenomenal, messages from rugby stars, former Defence Forces players, and our Commanding Officers reminded us of the wider community behind us as did the visiting support of the Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mulcahy and DF RSM, Keith Caffrey and the Director of DF Rugby, Lt Col Bernard Behan. We left everything on the rugby fields of the UK and retained fourth in the world, a result we are immensely proud of and would not have been possible only for the support given and shown. A Wonderful Fairytale Our Rugby World Cup was not only about rugby, we represented our country and the Defence Forces with honour and a legacy that extended beyond the scoreboard. Our journey was about pride and the unbreakable bond of women and men who serve together, representing Ireland on the field, as soldiers, sailors, and airwomen, hoping it will inspire younger generations of servicewomen and men to pick up a rugby ball, to join a team, to step forward with confidence. We demonstrated that when commitment and camaraderie meet, the result can inspire a legacy of courage, respect, and national pride that will live on for years to come. Thank you to everyone who supported us, fought for us, and made our journey possible. You will always be a part of our World Cup fairytale.

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