An Cosantóir

| 37 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 37 The final saw DFTC take on the Equitation School, with the Equitation School coming out on top to claim the title. Congratulations to the winners and to all the teams who participated and helped make the event such a success. A big thank you also goes to 3 Inf Bn for hosting the competition, with particular thanks to the Gym Staff and Logs Staff for their assistance in organising and supporting the event. On the men's side, despite some delays to this year's competition, attention is now turning towards what promises to be an exciting conclusion. DFTC, 7 Inf Bn, Air Corps, 28 Inf Bn and Collins Barracks all remain in contention as the competition progresses towards the semi-final stages, with each hoping to get their hands on the trophy for 2026. The DF Men's International Team also returns to action this month as preparations continue for the Kentish Cup, which takes place in France in November. This follows a productive period of development over the summer, with successful FAI grassroots coaching and referee development courses taking place during June and July. Defence Forces Soccer has also continued its involvement with Irish international teams and UEFA coaching development programmes, delivering workshops focused on resilience, team development and communication. With domestic competitions reaching their closing stages and international fixtures on the horizon, there is plenty to look forward to for Defence Forces Soccer over the coming months. DF RUGBY On Saturday 29th of August 2026, the DF Men's Rugby Team played the Dutch Military Rugby Team (The Dutch Lions) in University Limerick Sports Pavilion. This was the 3rd encounter between the teams who established this playing rivalry back in 2024. The sides first met in Galway in November 2024 after developing the relationship at the CISM 2nd Military Challenge Rugby 7s Competition in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in June of that year. The DF Men's Rugby Team have been victorious in the two encounters between the teams to date. A small crowd of locals and DF personnel had gathered to watch the encounter on a mainly dry and overcast day in Limerick. The game kicked off at 1430hrs, preceded by the National Anthems and the introduction of the teams, by their respective Captains, to both the Dutch Chief of Mission, Major General Gertjan KOOIJ, and to the DF Rugby Representative, Colonel Jayne LAWLOR. The first half proved to be a bruising encounter, with the Dutch Team coming out of the blocks with ferocious physicality and intent. Their speed of play took the DF Team by surprise and by the 20-minute mark, the Dutch side had scored two tries. As the half progressed, the DF side had matched the physicality and began to take control, scoring 3 tries in relatively quick succession to put them 17-12 up at the break. The halftime team talk from the coaches and the Team Captain, Pte Thomas Sheehan, put a solid game plan in place for the 2nd half whether the DF side slowed the pace down and took control at the set piece. Another two tries in the 2nd half capped off a 29-12 win for the DF Team in the end. The Player of the Match Award went to A/R Diego Mark-Smith with a barnstorming performance at No.8 and two tries to his name. DF Rugby are grateful for the support received by DF PRB, CMU Ops, 12 Inf Bn, 1 Bde CIS Coy, 1 Bde Tpt Gp and 2 Bde Tpt Gp for this international military fixture. A huge thank you must also go to the DF Rugby Referees who facilitated the match: Lt (AR) Joe Gleeson, Sgt Gavin McLoughlin and Lt (AR) Michael Ward. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining DF Rugby (Men's and Women's), please reach out to Comdt Niall Wilcox (Men's Team) or Comdt Sarah O'Regan (Women's Team). Contact details are provided below this article Comdt Niall Wilcox: extension 2681 or email niall.wilcox@defenceforces.ie Comdt Sarah O'Regan: extension 1716 or email sarah.oregan@defenceforces.ie

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