An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 38 | Pat Mitchell Unit: Board of Works (BfW) civilian Welder by CPL LEE COYLE I grew up in ballyfer- mot, Dublin, during the 1950s with my eight brothers and seven sisters; a large family even back then. In 1963, when I was 10, my father encouraged me to take up boxing with one of my elder brothers; tak- ing us to the CIE boxing Club in Inchicore. (the club is still going today and has trained boxers such as Jim Rock and bernard Dunne.) I really enjoyed box- ing. I was a natural; and good, winning my first national and all-Ireland championship in 1966, and making it five in a row between 1966 and 1970. I got a job as a general operative with the Defence Forces through my father, who worked in the BFW in Collins Bks back in the early 1960s. I started work in the welding and fitting shop in February 1972. There were ten fitters/welders and three helpers, or general opera- tives, employed in the shop not long after starting I was told I should become a welder and I was sent to FÁS to do a welding course over the years 1973 to 1974. As a welder I got to travel all over the country as we were responsible for all welding jobs in barracks and posts located in the Eastern Command (now 2 Bde) and any other areas that might need us. One of our important tasks was the upkeep of the ranges, mainly the target frames, and I've worked on ranges in Duncannon Fort, Cootehill, Castleblayney, Ticknock, Kilbride and Kilpedder – some of which are gone now. Through the years I have produced a wide variety of things for the DF, everything from small hinges, the top of a large flag pole, security cages for keys, and fitness equipment for barracks gyms, a lot of which are still in use today. I'm currently working on a new boxing bag bracket for one of the gyms. Fitness is an important part of life in the Defence Forces life and I'm proud to have produced a range of gym equipment, like dipping stations, free weights, barbells and dumbbells. Due to my boxing background, I was also asked to help out with training boxers. I was happy to help out and trained some 5 Inf Bn boxing teams while stationed in Collins Bks for a few years. The BFW was also asked around the same time if we would like to submit a team to play in the annual Peter Burke 5-a-side football tournament, which we did, winning it on one occasion. Being invited to take part in this great event, really made us feel like part of the military family. I also took up running along with one of the fitters during my first few years with the BFW, which is hardly surpris- ing when you see so many soldiers running every day. I really enjoy it and I've taken part in more than ten Cosantóir 10Ks and hope to run in this year's one on Octo- ber 12th. I was sad to see the closing of Collins Bks in 1997 as it had become a second home to me after being there for nearly 30 years. The BFW staff has been reduced over the years and the move from Collins Bks to Cathal Brugha Bks left me as the last welder. I have now served almost 45 years as a welder with the BFW and I am probably the longest serving civilian in the Defence Forces. I have enjoyed my time working with the Defence Forces and hope to serve for a few more years.

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