An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 17 shane black (20) from Kildare: "I'll definitely do well and pass out – I'm very focused and fully motivated. Saying that, hopefully everything goes well. I have two cousins who have been in the DF about a year now and I'm looking forward to getting started!" His mother Linda said, "He's very focused; it's his second time applying. He loves Gaelic football and plays for Ballykelly in Monastereven." daniel O'Rourke (21) from Kildare: "It's my second time applying. I'll be the third generation of my family serving in the DF. I'm most apprehensive about completing tasks on time. I'm fine with commuting and fitness should be fine too; I play soccer for Newbridge Town. I would like to eventually go for an appren- ticeship; panel beating maybe." His parents said: "He's very positive but apprehensive. He would go and serve anywhere and he's looking forward to it." Vox Pops Rebecca barry (19) from Cork: "I heard about the Defence Forces at a careers day I had gone to during my leaving cert and it's my first time ap- plying. I think my parents are more nervous than me. I know it's going to be tough but everyone will be going through the same. I'm fit, and play basketball, which has small teams so everyone has to pull their weight. I also like mountaineering. My strength is my only doubt!" Her parents said: "She just wants to get started." Katie Twohig (24) from Cork: "I served with 12 Inf Bn RDF in Mallow for the last four-and-a-half years. My uncle is retired from the DF and I have a cousin serving in Kilkenny. It's my first time applying. I play football with Mallow Ladies, and I like running to keep fit. I recently completed the Coy Group Exercise with the RDF which has helped me prepare. I'm hoping my RDF experience helps me. I'm used to doing my boots and uniform and weapons handling. Building up my fitness will be tough. Meanwhile, I've just started my Green Cert to inherit the farm, which I hope to be able to do alongside my military career." Ciaran behan (23) from Kilkenny: "It's my third time applying and I'm third generation military - my grandfather and uncle both served. I did some in- terview preparation this time and I'm delighted to finally get in. I play hurling for Fenians GAA in Kilkenny and I like going to the gym, playing soc- cer and boxing, so I'm physically fit and a team player. I've been away before at college but I'm still apprehensive; going into the unknown." His family said: "He's very positive, and has a few friends serving already. He'll handle discipline very well and will be great; very focussed." brendan Murphy (22) from Offaly: "It's my second time applying and I'm following my granduncle into the Defence Forces. I'm a sporty person and play hurling for the Birr senior team. I studied health and fitness in college. I'm used to living away from home and I think it will be hard, especially the discipline." Chloe McMahon (20) from limerick: "My dad served in the British Army, and one of my granddads served in the RAF and the other in 12 Inf Bn – so I'm third generation military. I was born in RAF Akrotiri (Cyprus) and grew up on military bases in Germany, Cyprus and the UK. I'm focused and I'm used to working as part of a team. I have a good fitness level so hopefully I can keep up." Her father, Mark, said: "Chloe surprised me by joining up, as she never showed an interest before. Now it's all she talks about and appears to be relishing the challenges ahead. I think fitness will initially be a problem for Chloe; however I believe she will overcome this issue quickly. She has completed a first aid course and she hopes this is an area she might pursue with the forces." Kiev dollard (22) from laois: "My brother served in the DFTC and my brother-in-law is serving too. I studied sports and fitness in Portlaoise College. Living away from home will be hard. I play foot- ball for Laois and was recently awarded a GAA All Star. I also box. I think the words of command will be hard to learn."

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