An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/744741
www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 33 A minute of silence was observed at the prize giving in respect of Col Frank Lawless, Dir Trg & Ed Br (J7), and for two other members of the DF who had sadly passed away that week. Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM addressed those gathered for the prize giving, "I congratulate you all for taking part, all those involved for organising another successful event and for the support provid- ed by: DF Fitness & Sports Policy Training & Education Branch (J7), DF Physical Edu- cation School, OC McKee Bks, Catering Staff, MPs, medics, CIS staff, An Garda Síochána and to everyone whose efforts made the race possible. I am reminded that it is not only a competitive race; but it is an opportunity for DF personnel to make new friends and catch up with old friends and colleagues that they may have served with either at home or overseas. It is one of the few occasions where a mix of competitors, from all services, ranks and ages come together. Where we open our doors to our colleagues from the Dept. of Defence, An Garda Síochána Athletic Club, the Office of Public Works, visiting diplomats and military attachés." The COS also gave a special mention to the Bands of the DF who had over 40 competitors on the day. He finished: "I place a strong emphasis on fitness and participation in sport in the DF, as I believe that soldiering and participa- tion in sports go hand in hand. Physical exercise is an essential part of mental and psychological well-being and it helps us to release stress, think clearly and perform our duty better. I agree with the proverb 'Mens sana in corpore sano' (a sound mind in a sound body). Congratulations to you all for taking part, keep up the good work at whatever level you aim for, be it: walker, fun runner, jogger or elite athlete." We kindly thank our two main sponsors for their continued support Friends First and ANSAC Credit Union, and also Druid Craft for the wonderful plaques. Well done to all those who took part and a big thank you for making the event what it is, in particular the organising committee, the An Cosantóir/Information Office, the De- fence Forces Athletics Association (DFAA), and all those who gave a hand on the day like PTI course, engineers, logistics, catering centre and the 7 Inf Bn work party. For the full results visit: www.myrunresults.com Snr Male Winner Pte Rogers with Derek Nesbitt of ANSAC CU, and Snr Female Winner Sgt Kennedy with COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM.