An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 33 PDF. Having said that, I have enjoyed my years in the RDF, where there is always good buzz and banter, especially on summer camps and on exercises. One of my fondest memories in the RDF is the visit of the relic of Saint Thérése in 2001, where we had the honour of carrying it through Wexford town. Since the latest re-org of the RDF we have become more involved with the PDF, which has been very enjoyable and I have learned a great deal. I come from a large family with 10 brothers and sisters, and after my father passed away when I was two years old, my mother, the great woman she is, raised us by her- self. She encouraged me to go to kickboxing and to join the RDF. I got started in kickboxing at the age of 11 in Wexford Academy of Martial Arts, under the tuition of the late Sensei Noel Clancy (RIP). I took to it well, liking the discipline and fitness aspects of the training. I went on to win the Under-16 (60kg) World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) Leinster and all-Ireland titles, which I held until I went to senior level. Within a year of turning senior, I won the WAKO Leinster and all-Ireland titles and have since lost count of my titles, but it's about 25 Leinster and 25 all-Ireland, at various weights and fighting scales (full contact, points fighting and continuous), at senior and senior veteran (35+) level. Then, at 36 I was diagnosed with skin cancer, which was a harder blow than I ever received in the ring. I spent the next five years being treated for a melanoma on my spine, including three operations, before I was given the all clear. After my operations I had trouble walking and was worried I would never fight again. However, my love of the sport motivated me to get back into the ring and I came back hard and strong and reclaimed the WAKO Senior Leinster and all-Ireland titles. This led me on to the 2013 WKC Senior (90kg) world championships in Italy, where I won a bronze medal. At the moment I'm training with Carlow Kickboxing Club, under the direction of Sensei Patsy Whelan, for the WKC Senior Veteran (90kg) world title in Orlando, Florida, this November. The draw won't be made until I arrive in the US but I'm not worried as I'm training hard and will be ready for whoever I get. I would like to thank all my instructors over the years, with a special mention to Sensei Tony Clancy, Sensei Tom Clancy, Sensei Noel Clancy (RIP), Sensei Tom Dempsey, and Sensei Patsy Whelan, for their help and training; and also my fiancé Caroline and my kids Jamie and Stacie for their support. I would like to mention and remember my father, James (RIP), and to really thank my mother, Josephine, for being the strong, brave woman, who raised us all under difficult cir- cumstances - she truly is one in 10 million. Finally, I would like to thank Comdt Enda McDonald and all in E Coy, 3 Inf Bn, for their continued support. Pte Packy Somers with OC E Coy, Comdt Enda McDonald. Pictured are members of E Coy, 3 Inf Bn, who will be supporting Pte Packy Somers when he fights for the WKKC senior veteran 90kg world title in November.

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