An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 23 to ensure the team could operate efficiently and confidently when faced with unfamiliar scenarios and strict time constraints. One of the defining strengths of the Defence Forces sniper community is its willingness to support those representing Ireland abroad. Once the invitation to compete was received, the Infantry Weapons Wing, together with experienced members of the wider sniper community, organised a series of dedicated training days. Knowledge, experience and lessons learned were openly shared to ensure we were as well prepared as possible. This collaborative approach reflects the professionalism that exists throughout the Defence Forces sniper community and highlights the pride taken in representing Ireland on the international stage. The competition itself was conducted over three demanding days and featured eleven challenging stages designed to test every aspect of a sniper team's capability. These included known and unknown distance engagements, long-range precision shooting beyond one kilometre, moving target engagements, observation and target detection exercises, and physically demanding stress shoots. Each stage required rapid decision making, effective communication and attention to detail while operating under physical fatigue and time pressure. With scores often separated by only a single point, every observation, every correction and every shot counted. Competing alongside some of the world's best military and law enforcement sniper teams provided an invaluable learning experience. It offered the opportunity to compare equipment, techniques and procedures while gaining insight into how other nations approach sniper training and employment. Equally important, it reinforced confidence in the standard of training delivered within the Defence Forces and demonstrated that Irish sniper teams are capable of competing at the highest international level. After three highly competitive days, our team finished 14th overall and placed as the 5th highest-ranked European nation. The final standings were exceptionally close, with only a handful of points separating many of the leading teams, highlighting the demanding nature of the competition and the importance of consistency throughout every stage. Representing Ireland at SniperFest 2026 was an unforgettable experience and a significant milestone for the Defence Forces. More than just a competition, SniperFest is an opportunity to strengthen international military relationships, exchange professional knowledge and continually improve operational capability. For our team, it was a chance to test ourselves against some of the finest sniper teams in the world, proudly represent the Defence Forces and contribute to the continued reputation of the Irish sniper community on the international stage.

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