An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir This is the page of the AN COSANTÓIR - The Defence Forces Magazine. This magazine has been in existence since 1940.

People of the DFName: Cpl Ross LoonamService: 10 yearsCurrent role: ArmourerCan you give us a brief description of your ...
16/06/2026

People of the DF

Name: Cpl Ross Loonam
Service: 10 years
Current role: Armourer

Can you give us a brief description of your career so far?
“I trained in Kilkenny, served in 1st and 6th Inf Bn, completed the Armourers TTS, and have been stationed in 2 Bde Ord since 2021. I’ve done lots of military courses and was on the UNDOF withdrawal.”

What made you decide to join the DF?
“Coming out of school after the recession there wasn’t much work. The DF offered stability and flexibility, and the jobs suited my outdoors lifestyle.”

How did you end up in the Ordnance Corps?
“I applied for the technical training scheme. I’m good with my hands and wanted a technical role. I completed 3 years in college and 9 months learning everything about the weapons.”

What was the training like?
“College was demanding, but with hard work anything is possible. The armourer’s course was rewarding — stripping and assembling weapons. The highlight was finishing with the 53rd Weapon System Mechanical Technician class. Great bunch of men.”

You’re also a sniper. What was the course like?
“One of the best courses in the DF. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions — you get out what you put in. I also won an All-Army pistol medal in 2025 with the ordnance team.”

What are your plans for the future?
“There are more ordnance courses and trips I want to do. I’ll compete in sniper competitions and try to hone that skill. Outside work I race motocross bikes and would love to start a club in the DF if anyone’s interested.”

Thank you Ross and best of luck with whatever comes next 😊

Sniper Interview part 3Corporal Jack McGrathInfantry Weapons Wing, Military CollegeWhat does it feel like when you final...
11/06/2026

Sniper Interview part 3

Corporal Jack McGrath

Infantry Weapons Wing, Military College

What does it feel like when you finally hit a long-range target after hours of prep?
“The furthest I hit was 800 meters on my badge test. There’s so much that can throw the shot off, so when you finally hit it, it’s a really great feeling.”

How has completing this course changed the way you approach your job as an Irish soldier?
“I can hold myself with pride knowing I went back after failing the first time. I don’t brag about it, but it’s definitely something I’m very proud of.”

What advice would you give to any soldier thinking about trying out for the sniper course?
“Accept that you might not pass first time, but don’t let that stop you from trying. Go in humble and with the want to learn. A sniper isn’t just a good shooter — it’s someone who stays calm under pressure and comes back stronger. If you fail the first time, definitely go again.”

Bhí an Campa Gaeilge ar siúl sa Cheathrú Rua ag deireadh Mí Bealtaine agus d’fhreastal 50 ball ó Óglaigh na hÉireann ar....
09/06/2026

Bhí an Campa Gaeilge ar siúl sa Cheathrú Rua ag deireadh Mí Bealtaine agus d’fhreastal 50 ball ó Óglaigh na hÉireann ar.

I rith na seachtaine, bhí na scoláirí ag foghlaim gach gné den teanga.

Bhí Tráth na gCeist, ceolchoirm agus turas go hOileáin Árann chomh maith le na ranganna Gaeilge. Bhí craic, ceol agus an Ghaeilge lárnach sa tseachtain. Má tá suim agat sa Gaeilge, coinnigh súil ar an Connect.

*********************

Campa Gaeilge took place in Carraroe, Connemara at the end of May and over 50 members of the DF attended.

During the week, the student were learning about every aspect of the language.

There was a table quiz, a concert and a tour to the Aran Islands as well as classes. There was great craic agus ceol over the whole week.

If you have any interest in Irish, and would like to learn some more, keep an eye on Connect.

Bhí an Campa Gaeilge ar siúl sa Cheathrú Rua ag deireadh Mí Bealtaine agus d’fhreastal 50 ball ó Óglaigh na hÉireann ar....
09/06/2026

Bhí an Campa Gaeilge ar siúl sa Cheathrú Rua ag deireadh Mí Bealtaine agus d’fhreastal 50 ball ó Óglaigh na hÉireann ar.

I rith na seachtaine, bhí na scoláirí ag foghlaim gach gné den teanga.

Bhí Tráth na gCeist, ceolchoirm agus turas go hOileáin Árann chomh maith le na ranganna Gaeilge. Bhí craic, ceol agus an Ghaeilge lárnach sa tseachtain. Má tá suim agat sa Gaeilge, coinnigh súil ar an spás seo ar Connect.

Sniper Interview part 2Corporal Jack McGrathInfantry Weapons Wing, Military CollegeCan you walk us through a typical day...
09/06/2026

Sniper Interview part 2

Corporal Jack McGrath

Infantry Weapons Wing, Military College

Can you walk us through a typical day on the sniper course?
“Every day is different, so there’s no real typical day. One day you might have a stalk, camouflage and concealment, and judging distance. Another day could be observation, a map stand, and night navigation. It’s definitely physical, but it’s way more mentally difficult.”

Was there a particular moment you thought “this is it, I’m not going to make it”?
“There were a couple of times I thought that. You’re surrounded by like-minded people though, and they help keep you going. You just have to dig deep and push through.”

How important is mental toughness compared to physical fitness in sniper training?
“It’s physical for sure, but mental toughness is bigger. You have to learn to take criticism and accept when you’re doing badly, then still show up the next day ready to go.”

Sniper Interview part 1Corporal Jack McGrathInfantry Weapons Wing, Military CollegeWhat made you want to volunteer for t...
04/06/2026

Sniper Interview part 1

Corporal Jack McGrath

Infantry Weapons Wing, Military College

What made you want to volunteer for the sniper course?
“Before I even joined the Army it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I finally got the chance in 2024 to attempt it. I was unsuccessful on my first try, but that just made me want it more. This year I went back and passed.”

How tough was the course compared to what you expected?
“It was as hard as I expected, if not harder. It breaks you most days because you’re constantly failing at certain things. The hardest part for me was finding the will to keep going, especially after failing the first time.”

What’s one skill you learned that will stay with you for the rest of your career?
“Mental resilience. You learn to just keep going no matter what happened the day or week before.”

Snipers upcoming!!!Heads up ⬆️ Our next mini series we’ve got something special lined up.We sat down with Corporal Jack ...
02/06/2026

Snipers upcoming!!!

Heads up ⬆️

Our next mini series we’ve got something special lined up.
We sat down with Corporal Jack McGrath from the Infantry Weapons Wing — a guy who failed his sniper course the first time, came back, and passed it this year.
Over three posts we’ll cover what the course is actually like, how brutal the mental side is, and what it takes to keep going when you’re getting knocked back every day.
First part drops on Thursday — don’t miss it.

01/06/2026

Amazing video from our AVS team 💪💪💪

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