An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 31 of-the-art training complex. Friendlies arranged for the DF team included matches against Crumlin Utd, a selection from the PFAI, Cherry Orchard FC, Bray Wanderers U19s, and Limerick FC. In January, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney addressed the Defence Forces team at the National Sports Campus. Also pres- ent was Minister Paul Keogh TD; Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM; DCOS Ops Maj Gen Kieran Brennan; and Brig Gen Philip Brennan, GOC 1 Bde and head of DF soccer. Mr Delaney said: "I am delighted to host the Defence Forces in their preparation for this prestigious tournament. It's one thing to play for your club, but to play for your country is a great honour. Make the Defence Forces proud, your family proud, and play for yourself; it's important to give yourself credit for getting here. The best of luck and we will be watching your results and cheer- ing you on." Minister Keogh thanked the FAI for their assistance and for allowing the team to use their training facilities in the National Sports Campus and wished the squad the best of luck. The Minister added, "…The Defence Forces is not just about defending, it's about building team spirit and repre- senting the Defence Forces and your country at the highest level. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Secre- tary General Maurice Quinn and the Dept. of Defence on this. …As long as you can put your hand on your heart and say you played your best… I would encourage every young person in the Defence Forces to get involved in sport." With the best of training under their belts the DF team set off for the 2nd CISM World Football Cup in Oman, where they would battle it out for the trophy with 15 other teams, from Oman, Iran, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, the USA, Canada, DPR (North) Korea, Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Guinea, France, Germany and Poland. The draw had placed Ireland in Group C with Mali, Qatar and the USA. On 15th January the opening ceremony took place in the 30,000-seater Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Stadium. An amazing display of traditional music and dance was rounded off by a marching band and a precision arms drill display. The next day, the DF team manager, Capt Ian Snee, an- nounced the team for the opening game against Mali, and the Chief of Delegation Lt Col Kevin Campion (OC 1 Inf Bn) presented official FAI jerseys to each player. After motiva- tional speeches from the coaching staff everyone was ready for the game and the meeting finished with an emotion- al tribute to their The Irish team for the game against Mali Mark Horgan celebrates with his team mates Ricky Fox and Sean Gannon attack the ball The Irish team for the game against Qatar

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