An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2025 www.military.ie/magazine I 'm Pte Ben Donohue and I'm currently serving as a plumber in the Engineers in the DFTC. I come from a military background and always wanted to join the Defence Forces so as soon as I turned 18, I applied. I completed my recruit training in Cathal Brugha Barracks in 2010, and I was posted to 2 Cav Sqn where I completed all my driving courses up to Mowag. I have four overseas missions, three to UNIFIL and one to UNDOF. In 2019 I completed my PNCO course, and was promoted to Cpl. I was serving overseas in UNIFIL as Section Commander when I got selected for the TTS Scheme, I dropped back to the rank of Pte and completed four years in college to become a qualified plumber. My wife and I were watching the English version of the Traitors one night and she had suggested that I would do great on a show like that one. I then searched to see was there an Irish version of the show and I was disappointed to find that applications had closed. I decided I'd chance my arm and send them the 30 second video clip which was required to apply. I then received and e-mail back and was shocked to find out I had been accepted. Things happened very quick, I was told on a Friday I'd be starting to film on the Sunday. I contacted my CS straight away, who got permission for me to procced with the show and also granted me two weeks leave to partake. I still can't believe it's been a few months since I left the castle and the intense game of deception that was Traitors Ireland. As one of the contestants on Season 1, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unique and unforgettable. When I first received the call to participate in the show, I was both thrilled and nervous. I'd heard great things about the format, and I knew it would be a challenge like no other. Little did I know, it would push me to my limits and test my ability to trust others. From the moment I arrived at Slane Castle, I knew I was in for a wild ride. Meeting the other contestants, 22 strangers from all walks of life, was exhilarating. We were all there for one reason: to win the €50,000 prize and be crowned the ultimate Faithful or Traitor The game was a blur of challenges, twists, and turns. I found myself as a Faithful, working alongside others to uncover the Traitors. My background as a soldier in the Irish Defence Forces definitely helped me navigate the mental side of the game. The discipline and resilience I learned in the forces served me well, and I was able to push myself to the limit. 16 | MY JOURNEY ON MY JOURNEY ON TRAITORS IRELAND: TRAITORS IRELAND: A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS BY PTE BEN DONOHUE

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