An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 6 | KFOR PeRsOnnel DF members are pictured serving in KFOR HQ on St Patrick's Day in Film City, Pristina, Kosovo in March 2015. They are back row L/R: Flt Sgt S Bailey, Sgt A O'Connor, Cpl M James, BQMS A Behan, Coy Sgt R Reynolds and Flt Sgt J O'Brien. Front row L/R: Capt D Murphy, Comdt N Taylor, Lt Col CJ Cullen, Col W O'Dwyer (SIO Kosovo), Comdt R Condron and RSM Paddy Doyle. Photo: RSM Paddy Doyle Tel Aviv MARAThOn Pictured are members of the 46 Inf Gp UNDOF who took part in the Tel Aviv Marathon on 27th February 2015. Pte John Dillon ran his first marathon and came in at 3hr 9mins and finishing 56th. Ahead of him finishing an outstanding time of 3hrs 3mins was Pte Niall Kelly, who finished 35th. They were joined by Pte Adam Courtney who ran his first marathon in 3hrs 44mins and Pte Gavin O'Donovan who finished in 4hrs 3mins. The Tel Aviv Marathon was Israel's biggest sporting event in 2015 with over 40,000 runners enduring temperatures up to 30°C. The heat and distance proved too much for many competitors but the four members of the 46 Inf Gp were delighted that they completed this unique challenge. Pictured L/R: Lt Col Denis Harrington (OC 46 Inf Gp), Pte John Dillon, Pte Adam Courtney, Pte Niall Kelly, Pte Gavin O'Donovan. Also pictured is Sgt John Groarke NCO IC and Chef de mission. Photo by: Sgt Micheal McGrath, 46 Inf Gp (UNDOF) A FOnd FARewell Comdt Tom O'Keeffe who was heavily involved in Athletics and Orienteering in the Defence Forces and was Chairman of the DF Athletic Association (DFAA) for many years has recently retired from the DF. We thank him also for his continued help and expertise in planning and organising the An Cosantóir 10K. Pictured L/R: Col Sean O'Keeffe, SSO Sp DFTC, Rear Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, D COS Sp, Comdt Tom O'Keeffe, Mrs Carmel O'Keeffe and Mr Donal O'Keeffe. Photo by: Sgt JJ Ryan, HQ DFTC CROss-ORGAnisATiOnAl TRAininG On 25th March 2015, the 27 Inf Bn facilitated the Irish Coast Guard and local Fire Services in conducting a cross-organisational training day in Aiken Bks. The crew of Sikorsky Coast Guard Helicopter Crew 116 briefed both fire service personnel and members of the 27 Inf Bn on the capabilities of the helicopter and crew. Personnel were also briefed on correct procedures when approaching and embarking the helicopter. Cross-organisational training remains an important element of everyday DF activity in order to remain ready to respond to any request for assistance by either the Civil Authorities or Civil Power. Photo: Capt Joe Freeley, 2 Bde PIO AnTi ARMOuR winneRs 2015 12 Inf Bn were crowned the 1 Bde 84mm Anti-Armour winners 2015. The competition was held on March 23rd. Pictured front row L/R: Pte McGrath, Cpl Stack, Lt Col Paul Carey (OC 12 Inf Bn), Comdt Donie McGrath (OC A Coy) and Pte Moloney. Back row L/R: Cpl Enright, Team Captain Lt Troy, Sgt Griffin and Pte O'Grady. Photo by: Sgt Davie Kerin, 12 Inf Bn MiChAel COllins ReMeMbeRed Pictured at the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the Monument to Michael Collins at Sams Cross, Clonakilty, Co Cork were piper Sgt Noel McCarthy and bugler Sgt Roy Kelleher, both from Collins Bks Cork. Photo by: Denis Boyle, RDF

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