An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 5 Manager Comdt Colin Lawlor info@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5306 Editor Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald magazine@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 Connect Sgt Karl Byrne connect@military.ie Photo/Journalist: Cpl Lee Coyle journalist@military.ie Photographer Cpl Neville Coughlan photo@military.ie 045 44 5307 Subscriptions Cpl Kelly Gallagher +353 (0)45 44 5312 subs@military.ie DF/PR Information: Cpl Lynn Ryan admin@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5308 DF Webmaster Sgt Mick Burke +353 (0)45 44 5309 webmaster@military.ie Magazine Archivist Mr Sean Shinnors Designer/Advertising JM Publishing & Media, Arklow, Co. Wicklow,Ireland Tel: +353 15331911 Tel: +353871344135 Web: www.jmpublishing.ie Email: info@jmpublishing.ie Printer Turner's Printing Co., Ltd Earl Street, Longford, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)43 3350500 The fact that an article appears in this magazine does not indicate official approval of the views expressed by the author. © Published by OiC Public Relations Branch for the Defence Forces at DFHQ, Block 5, Ceannt Bks, DFTC, Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)45 445312 Front Cover Pictured is a member of the DF School of Music with the new 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal. Photo By Pte David Hogarty, 2 Bde HQ. For more Defence Forces photographs, checkout: www.flickr.com/photos/ dfmagazine Editorial H ello and welcome to our February issue; 40 pages with 18 individual stories covering all aspects of military life. We hope you are enjoying 2017 so far. On Parade starts us off this month before In Focus looks at the recent Senior NCOs conference that took place in Casement Aerodrome, and the launch of the 2016 DF Review, which is available on request from this office. Veterans News covers the Presidents visit to Brú na bhFiann (Home of the Brave). Next, our front cover article, we take a look at the qualifying criteria for An Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1916 (The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal) and Stars and Medals, looks at the unusual medal parade held by the 1 Mech Inf Coy at the Wicklow Gap. Mobility solutions are fast movers next, as we take a look at Timoney Technology – An Irish Success Story, who have previously designed military vehicles for the DF. Next a pair of overseas features, the first A Platoon Commanders View from Lebanon and then our second covers the recent Transfer of Authority in Lebanon. In our strategic review article, Turmoil in Thailand, Paul O'Brien looks at the coup d'état of May 2014, before CQMS Mike Barrett reports from Kilbride Military Camp for our Reserves feature on a recent M203 shoot in Bang on Target. Our next article, European Awards, written by Comdt Colin Lawlor, covers Óglaigh na hÉireann being presented with the prestigious European Movement Ireland, European of the Year 2016 award. Our first history feature by Caroline Carr, Donegal County Museum, looks at native-born Pte James Duffy VC, our second is 'One-Inch Group' in the Congo, which is an unsigned contemporary report of the activities of the 1 Inf Gp. In Sports we interview a serving RDF Bodybuilder about her recent wins, and we also have our regular Gear Up, Noticeboard, Reviews, and What I Do features. Finally, check out our competitions and results on pages 11, 34, 35 and 36. 27 Inf Bn Annual Charity Challenge Cpl Lee Coyle – Acting Editor On the 19th October 2016 the 27 Inf Bn held their fifth An- nual Charity Challenge in aid of ONE and St. Joseph's National School. The long running event has always been a great suc- cess and this year rose €4,000 in total. O/C 27 Inf Bn presented the cheque to Michael McNeela Branch ONE. Pictured: Jim Mc Eneaney, Chairman Michael McNeela Branch ONE, Pat Durnin, Paul Mc Gee, Ollie O'Connor CEO, Lt Col John Kilmartin, Benny Mc Ardle, BSM Mick Murtagh and Mick Reid. Photo: Jim Mc Eneaney. Pictured L/R: Benny Mc Ardle, Principal Marcella O'Conluain, Lt Col John Kilmartin OC 27 Inf Bn and Jim Mc Eneaney ONE. Photo: Doc Docherty. Students from St. Joseph's National School at the finish line with members of the 27 Inf Bn.

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