An Cosantóir

www.military www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 13 CISM REGIONAL CISM REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SCHAFFEN IN SCHAFFEN T he Irish Defence Forces once again delivered an impressive performance at the CISM (International Military Sports Council) Regional Cross Country Championships held from 9–12 December 2025 in Schaffen, Belgium. The event, organised by the Belgian Delegation of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), combined the Belgian National Championship Defence (NCD) Cross-Country with the official CISM competition, meaning athletes from several nations competed on the same course, at the same time, under identical conditions. Hosted at the Training Center for Paratroopers (TrgC Para) at the Schaffen Air Base near Diest, the championship brought together teams from Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, with Ireland's delegation comprising four male athletes and three female athletes. The Schaffen course, already well-known among European military athletes, proved to be its usual demanding test. Both male and female routes incorporated varied terrain designed to challenge runners' technique, stamina and tactical awareness. The course, entirely suited to spikes, required competitors to manage rapid changes between flat running, rolling gradients and uneven surfaces typical of military cross-country layouts. Both courses at Schaffen are known for their complexity where athletes must balance speed with careful navigation of steep gradients, mud sections and high tempo flat segments where races can be won or lost. The Irish contingent, arriving on the evening of 10 December, joined their partner nations for a structured programme which included training sessions, a guided race-course inspection and a detailed competition schedule on 11 December. Delegations were accommodated at nearby Kamp Beverlo in Leopoldsburg. Race day commenced with bib collection and final warm-up sessions before both male and female events commenced. The Irish Defence Forces have long been recognised for their consistency in Schaffen, among the standout performers was Capt Liz Carr, who continued her impressive run of results on the European military circuit to take first place with a time of 25.47 with the combined women's team of Capt Liz Carr, Pte Tina McKeever and Tpr Christina Mandzyuk finishing third overall, while the men's team of Sgmn Josh O'Sullivan Hourihane, Sgt Gavin Sweeney, Capt Brian Kelly, Lt Enda Cloake and Pte Kenny Rodgers all finished in the top ten placing the team in second place overall. Results at Schaffen placed Ireland firmly among the leading nations, reinforcing the Defence Forces' commitment to excellence in CISM competition. The schedule concluded with an official CISM Award Ceremony on the evening of 11 December, and after the ceremony and closing dinner, transport returned teams to their accommodation in preparation for their departure the following day. The Schaffen Championship is more than a race, the event serves as an important gathering point for military athletes, fostering camaraderie, mutual respect and the CISM ideal of "Friendship Through Sport." The convivial atmosphere off the course contrasts with the fierce competitiveness on it. Athletes from across Europe share training insights, exchange unit badges and develop professional bonds that extend far beyond the event itself. For the Irish Defence Forces, participation in Schaffen is not only about securing podium finishes; it is also about representing Ireland on an international stage, promoting physical courage and strengthening ties with partner nations. The event has become a fixed and valued part of the Defence Forces' sporting calendar, offering an annual benchmark for performance and a platform to inspire future military athletes. As the Irish team returned home from Belgium, their achievements in Schaffen added another chapter to our proud history in CISM competition. With strong results, memorable performances and growing international recognition, the Irish Defence Forces continue to stand among the most respected competitors in European military sport. For the latest information on athletic events within the Defence Forces, visit and join the "DF Athletics" space on the DF Connect app. ARTICLE BY TPR CHRISTINA MANDZYUK (RDF) - 2 BRIGADE CAVALRY SQUADRON Sgmn Josh O'Sullivan Hourihane, Capt Brian Kelly, Lt Enda Cloake, Pte Kenny Rodgers Pte Tom Tompson (Coach) Tpr Christina Mandzyuk, Pte Tina McKeever, Capt Liz Carr www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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