An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 39 ground with the pace setter making adjustments for terrain that is muddy, slippery or rough. Preparation for the march is half the battle as personal hygiene is important to prevent unnecessary injuries. Feet need to washed and dried and toe nails need to be cut short and squared off. A light dusting of talcum pow- der to be applied with clean dry socks that fit well. Boots need to have been broken in and in good condition. An extra pair of clean socks is an essential part of the Volunteers kit and those suffering from blisters need to apply a light coating of petroleum jelly to any susceptible areas. At designated distances and times, rest periods are permitted. During these stops, Volunteers should lie down and elevate their feet. If time permits, feet should be massaged, socks changed and talcum powder applied to revive tired feet. Before re- commencing, stretching will alleviate any cramped muscles. To prevent lower back strain, Vol- unteers need to assist one another in repositioning backpacks and strapping. Swollen feet can be relieved by loosen- ing boot laces across the arches. It is important after marches that all Volunteers care for their feet, wash- ing their feet, applying talc and use dry socks as well as drying out their boots. To prepare for such marches Volunteers need to be of a certain physical standard. The Volunteer Physical fitness pro- gramme is practised in every battalion throughout the country. It is of the utmost importance as it assesses the endurance of the individual. A number of simple physical exercises, measures the recruit's physical strengths, abilities and cardio-respiratory fitness. Young Volunteers in Fianna Éireann and the students at Scoil Éanna have been training under the tutelage of Con Colbert. Drill sessions with sit-ups, press-ups and squats prepare these young men for later service in the Volunteers. Within these training facilities sports such as hurling and Gaelic football are also played. These activities make a vital contribution to the development of these young men as they improve their fighting spirit and morale. Team participation and working together not only brings personal development but also later contributes greatly to unit opera- tional effectiveness. Sports Round Up Irish Volunteers Tug O'War Team Photograph of the D Company 3rd Battalion Irish Volunteers Tug O'War Team taken in St. Enda's Rathfarnham, Dublin, September 1916. Photo: Military Archives Scoil Éanna hurling team, 1909-10 Photograph by H.Roe MacMahon, Harcourt St. of the Scoil Éanna hurling team, 1909-10. It was reproduced in the Christmas 1909 edition of An Macaomh, and this is alluded to in an inscription on the back. It was taken in the grounds of Cullenswood House. Photo: Pearse Museum/OPW A Class of Drill in the Gymnasium Photograph of Scoil Éanna pupils in drill class in the gymnasium in Cullenswood. This image featured in the Midsummer 1909 edition of An Macaomh. Photo: Pearse Museum/OPW

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