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visit us at www.military.ie 3 dates have been announced as part of the DF Hill Running Series 2017. The first date is 22nd March, over Tworock Mountain at a distance of 9.6km. Registration is at 0930hrs in Kilmashogue car park, Co. Dublin. This race starts at 1030hrs for walkers and 1100hrs for runners. The 2nd date is 26th April, over Djouce Mountain at a distance of 10.4km. Registration at 0930hrs at Ballinastoe woods car park, Co, Wicklow. This race starts at 1030hrs and 1100hrs for runners. The 3rd date is 31st May. The 'DF King of the Mountains' race is over the Spinks at a distance of 14km. Registration at 0930hrs at Glendalough Visitor Centre, Co. Wicklow. This race starts at 1030hrs for walkers and 1200hrs for runners. Competitors are advised to wear trail shoes particularly in wet weather conditions. Rations will not be provided so bring a packed lunch, however tea/coffee and scones will be provided at the start/finish lines. There is a €2 race entry fee (to fund prizes & a raffle). All registrations will be on the morning of the event you are partaking in. Any queries please don't hesitate to contact Sgt Alan Hayles in the Air Corps Fitness Centre, Baldonnel at 01 403 7537 or by email at alan.hayles@defenceforces.ie. DF hILL rUNNING SErIES 2017 Background and Context The Government decided, in its programme for a partnership govern- ment, to award: "…a 1916 medal to all members of the Permanent Defence Forces who are in service in 2016 and to serving members of the Reserve Defence Forces in 2016 as part of the single force concept." Fittingly, the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is being awarded to members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served in 2016 to celebrate and commemorate the Centenary year. The medal serves to honour the legacy of continuous service by Óglaigh na hÉireann to the State since its foundation and to acknowledge the central role of Óglaigh na hÉireann across all seven strands of the Centenary programme throughout 2016. Each medal is contained in a presentation case, with a message to each recipient from Government, as follows: An Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1916 The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal Bronntar an bonn seo ortsa, comhalta atá ag fónamh in Óglaigh na hÉireann, i mbliain seo an chomórtha, 2016. Is comhartha speisialta buíochais atá sa Bhonn Comórtha Céad Bliain maidir leis an tseirbhís neamhleithleasach a thugann saighdiúirí, mairnéalaigh agus aerchriúnna Óglaigh na hÉireann, atá ag fónamh ar son na hÉireann agus mhuintir na hÉireann ó bunaíodh an Stát. Tríd an mbonn seo a bhronnadh ort, déanaimid comóradh ar chéad bliain ó Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916 agus aithnímid an ról tábhachtach a bhí ag Óglaigh na hÉireann i saol na hÉire- ann san am a caitheadh agus atá acu i mbliain seo an chomórtha. Rialtas na hÉireann, Mí na Nollag 2016 An Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1916 The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal This medal is hereby awarded to you, a serving member of Óglaigh na hÉireann,in this centenary year of 2016. An Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain is a special token of our appreciation for the selfless service of the volunteer soldiers, sailors and aircrew of Óglaigh na hÉireann, who have served Ireland and the Irish people since the foundation of the State. In awarding you this medal, we commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and we recognise the central role played by Óglaigh na hÉireann in the past and in this centenary year. The Government of Ireland, December 2016 General The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe, T.D. signed a Defence Force Regulation (DFR) in the Yearly Series - An Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1916, The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal – on 01 December 2016, thereby given effect to the new medal. Medal Design The medal is a dark bronze alloy 35mm in diameter, fashioned (after the manner of the official Defence Forces crest) in the form of a circle of flame representing the sunburst on which eight points of a star are superimposed. The letters 'I' and 'V' are embossed on the left and right of centre of the sunburst, denoting Irish Volunteer. On the reverse side shall be inscribed the dates '1916 – 2016 Logo with the seven diamonds'. Medal Ribbon The ribbon is 5cms in length and is 31mm wide with 1 x 14 mm wide green stripe, 1 x 3 mm white stripe and 1 x 14 mm orange stripe. Suspension The ribbon hangs from a bronze alloy pin-back brooch in which bears a Celtic interlace design. Service Bar The bar which is joined to the suspender bears the inscription 'Cuimhnig Ar 1916'which is translated 'Remember 1916', with a St. Brendan's Knot at either side. Eligibility The Minister may award the medal to members of the Permanent Defence Force, members of the Army Nursing Service, members of the Chaplaincy Service and members of the Reserve Defence Force who are in service at any time during the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 inclusive. Members of the Defence Forces, members of the Army Nursing Service and members of the Chaplaincy Service who die in service in the year 2016 will be eligible for the award of the medal. Posthumous Awards A posthumous award may be awarded to one member of the family of the deceased person. Order of Precedence The '1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal' will be worn in order of pre- cedence after the Peacekeeping Medal, and the International Operational Service Medal (if applicable) and before any UN, EU or NATO/PFP medal. An BOnn COMóRTHA CéAD BliAin 1916 (The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal)

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