An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 9 SkillS for life with Sgt Paul Fitzgerald Retired & The Munster Driving Campus P aul Fitzgerald retired from the Defence Forces in June 2016 after 22 years service, since 1999 he spent many weeks and months instructing DF personnel on either motorcycle, car, truck and many years ago the Panhard APC driving courses. Paul contacted the Munster Driving Campus prior to his retirement and even though he would be self-employed, the owner at the campus was very enthusiastic about having him working under their name. Paul still had to undergo Road Safety Authority's (RSA) testing to become an ap- proved driving instructor (ADI) for both cars and motorcycles. The Munster Driving Campus is a purpose built facility on Cork to Mal- low Road, which was the brainchild of its owner John Twomey and his wife Grace. Since joining Munster Driving Campus they have gone from just car lessons to initial bike training (IBT) and manual handling instruction. They are now conducting driving assessments for small to medium size businesses in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary. Paul said, "A large part of working life in the campus is work- ing with over 30 schools and colleges who's transition-year students visit us to undergo road safety awareness courses." Paul explained that a 4-hour course includes theory tests, beer goggles, technical checks, wheel chang- ing and actual driving around the campus in dual control cars with an instructor. He continued, "Last year we had over 1,500 students take part in the course and we are already taking large bookings for the rest of 2017." Outside of his driving and manual handling instruction, Paul also looks after the social media accounts for the Munster Driving Campus, like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. Paul has a Level 7 Certificate in the Management of Health and Safety, which he gained through the DF and now he manages the risk assessments and safety statements, fire register and general H&S at the campus. Munster Driving Campus, Lissard, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Co. Cork. Ph: 022 29172 www.munsterdrivingcampus.com info@munsterdrivingcampus.com Munster Driving Campus is the only off-road driving campus in Ireland that gives the student all the challenges which they will encounter on our country roads, minus the traffic. Features include: Traffic lights, Roundabout, Hill start, Reverse around corners, Turnabout, Bay parking, Parallel parking, Numerous stop and yield signs Our Initial Basic Training (IBT) is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists. We also cater for teenagers and under 17's without a learner permit including transition-year students. Early professional advice will prevent those bad habits. Munster Driving Campus, Lissard, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Co. Cork. Brian: 085 7520274 - Paul: 083 1807764 - Office: 022 29172 info@munsterdrivingcampus.com www.munsterdrivingcampus.com Sgt John Carroll, 1 BAR who recently completed his IBT with Munster Driving Campus. Munster Driving Campus from above

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