An Cosantóir

| 31 DF MOUNTAINEERING CLUB Each year DFAM members partake in a CPD in Calpe, Spain. Climbing in Calpe consists of single and multi-pitch sports climbing routes. This CPD allows members to progress their technical climbing ability, stamina, strength and rope techniques. DFAM members spend 9 days climbing consistently from morning to evening. Typically DFAM members undertake a multipitch climb on the famous Peñon de Ifach. This year due to the poor weather members undertook ' Rowlands Magical Mystery Tour' which consist of 5 pitches of sea cliff climbing. DF WOMEN'S SOCCER Manager Profile - Sgt Shane Desmond Sergeant Shane Desmond brings almost three decades of military experience and a long-standing involvement in Defence Forces football to his role as team manager. With 29 years of service in the Irish Defence Forces, Sgt Desmond has developed a strong reputation as both a leader and a performance coach. He served 16 years with the 4th Battalion and currently holds appointments as Missile Sergeant and Physical Training Instructor (PTI) with 3 Battery, 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment (1 BAR). In addition, he serves as the unit Gym Sergeant. Over the course of his military career he has completed eight overseas deployments. Sgt Desmond has been involved in Defence Forces football for many years, winning five All-Army Cunningham Cup medals - three as a player and two as a coach. He began working in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) with teams in 2005 and has continued to support the development of players through structured performance programmes. In 2022 he became Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Defence Forces Women's Football Team and worked with the squad at the Military World Championships in Spokane, USA. Since then he has served as Assistant Manager and S&C Coach for fixtures against the UK Armed Forces, the Military World Championships in Holland in 2023, and representative games against the Belgian Armed Forces. Outside the Defence Forces, Sgt Desmond is currently coaching a team competing in the Munster Senior League in Cork. Career Summary Service: 29 years - Irish Defence Forces Battalion Service: 16 years - 4th Battalion Current Appointment: Missile Sgt / PTI - 3 Bty, 1 BAR | Gym Sgt Overseas Service: 8 overseas tours Football Honours: 5 All-Army Cunningham Cup medals (3 player, 2 coach) S&C Coaching: Coaching teams since 2005 Civilian Coaching: Munster Senior League team - Cork International Roles: Military World Championships USA 2022 | Holland 2023 Strengthening Links with the FAI As part of the continued development of the programme, the management team recently met with Lizzy Kent, Head of Girls and Women's Football with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The meeting focused on strengthening links between the Defence Forces Women's team and the FAI and exploring opportunities for future collaboration and development. This engagement aims to build stronger relationships within Irish football and support the continued growth of the women's game within the Defence Forces. Player Recruitment The management team is actively looking to identify and develop new players within the Defence Forces. Personnel interested in representing the Defence Forces Women's Football Team and taking part in training camps, representative fixtures and international competitions are encouraged to contact the team management. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Comdt Margaret Hogan Capt Brian Dunne Lt Shauna Connaughton Sgt Shane Desmond Sgt Jason Walsh

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