An Cosantóir

18 | LEBANON DIARY ON 28 APRIL, 2012 - CHARITY BOXING MATCH Gnr Emma O'Reilly (blue) Vs Tpr Amy Crook (red) ON 5TH APRIL, 2012 - UNIFIL J3 (OPS) COL TACHON VISIT Pte Dolan briefing Col Tachon at UNP 6-50 UNIFIL J3, Col Tachon was warmly welcomed to UNP 6-5 by acting OC IRISHBATT and newly promoted Lt Col Tim Daly. He received an honour guard complimented with traditional Irish bagpipes. A full operational brief was delivered to Col Tachon, followed by a visit to the Blue Line UN Posts 6-52 and 6-50 where he received detailed situational briefings. This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and further develop our excellent relationship with UNIFIL HQ. ON 27 APRIL, 2012 - STRONGMAN COMPETITION Pte Packie Walsh The 105 Inf Bn held an internal Strongman competition in Camp Shamrock. The competition was one of many events held to allow personnel test their physical fit- ness, strength and endurance. The exercises included One Rep Max in bench press and deadlift. Timed events included a MOWAG tyre flip over 100metres, farmers walk and holding a kettlebell in both hands above the shoulders laterally for as long as the contestant could. With 20+ contestants weighing-in and getting exercises demos supervised by Capt Padraig Duggan, Sgt's Dave King and Michael Heavin. The contestants performed to very high standards much to the enjoyment of the large supporting crowd. Pte Packie Walsh won the heavy weight division followed closely by Cpl John Hurley 2nd place and Pte Alan Leonard 3rd. Tpr James Moloney won the light weight division with Pte Tim O'Shea and Jerome O'Mahony coming 2nd and 3rd respectively. Lt Danielle Murphy won the tightly contested female division with Pte Natalie O'Sullivan runner up. This was an excellent challenge, testing both physical and mental strength enjoyed by both the contestants and spectators alike. An Cosantóir July/August 2012 www.dfmagazine.ie The call went out in early January for any personnel interested in taking up a boxing challenge to raise much needed funds for charity and to pit their fitness and wits against an unknown but evenly matched opponent. 18 members of the 105 Inf Bn signed up to what was a very profes- sionally run training period of 3 months, under the watchful eyes of experienced boxers Sgt Mark Sheridan, Cpl Patrick Whelan and Pte John Tyrell (All 3 Inf Bn). The volunteers were put through a rigorous fitness, strength and boxing conditioning programme. Sgt Mark Sheridan a recognised Boxing Referee with the Irish BY CAPT PAUL HOLOHAN (105 INF BN) & CAPT BRIAN CONNOLLY (106 IRISHFINN BN) matched and lasted for 3 x 90 second rounds. Fitness, endur- ance and skill were evident in all boxers who provided excellent entertainment for the on looking troops. All fights were conducted with great sportsmanship, only a few small bruised egos were evident. The event raised $4,250 (US) and all of this came from generous contributions from the troops of the 105 Inf Bn. A total of $15,000 (US) was raised for chari- ties across Ireland and Lebanon by the troops over their 6 month deployment. This being another side to the life of a Defence Forces Unit serving on the Blue Line in South Lebanon with UNIFIL. Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) presided over the event en- suring the safety and enjoyment of all involved. All fights were very well

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