An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May / June 2026 www.military.ie/magazine 36 | An Cosantóir May / June 2026 www.military.ie/magazine DF BJJ 2026 has been a standout year for the Defence Forces BJJ Club. The club continues to expand rapidly, welcoming new members from all three branches on a weekly basis. Training intensity and technical standards have risen noticeably as the squad grows. On the competition scene, DF BJJ athletes have performed impressively at tournaments across Ireland, securing multiple medals and podium finishes. The club also received an invitation from the British Military BJJ Team, with several members travelling to the UK to compete and strengthen international military ties. Beyond competition, the club has organised visits to some of Ireland's leading BJJ academies, allowing members to train under high-level coaches and experience different styles. A major highlight was the launch of the inaugural "Try a Roll" days across all three branches. These introduction events proved extremely popular, resulting in strong attendance and a significant number of new sign-ups. With this strong momentum, the Defence Forces BJJ Club is looking forward to the remainder of an exciting 2026. DF MOUNTAINEERING At the start of May members of DFAM from 27 Inf Bn ran a Mountaineering skills course in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Students came from all over the Defence Forces to tackle some of Irelands most challenging and beautiful mountain routes. Each day students navigated various routes in the reeks consisting of the Big Gun, Curve Gull, Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh to name a few. Students learned how to navigate on steep ground, scrambling techniques, rope work and the importance of being properly prepared for a day in the hills. With some unforgettable view and routes, students are to remember this course for years to come. DF HURLING The DF Annual 10 aside (the Chaplin's Cup donated to the DF in 1924) and 7 aside hurling competition (the Parsons Cup, donated by the Parsons family) will take place in The Faithful fields Offaly GAA centre of excellence on June the 11th All unit formations are encouraged to enter teams. Anyone who wishes to enter please contact their local hurling REP and or reach out to Comdt Tom Tooher 1 ACS at tom.tooher@defenceforces.ie extn 5230 The annual DF Inter Brigade competition will take place in September time and venue TBC. 4 x teams competed for the DF hurling Inter Bde and an inaugural competition the Pte Gerard McMahon Cup, which was donated by his friends and colleagues from the 1st Inf Bn and the 63rd Inf Group UNDOF. Pte McMahon tragically passed away in 2021. Looking forward - the upcoming DF Rep series versus AIB is due to take place in Kilkenny on the 02nd of November, also the DF will play the Gardaí (AGS) which will take place in November also. 36 | SPORTS & CLUBS SPORTS & CLUBS

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