An Cosantóir

Home
Ireland
Curragh Camp
An Cosantóir

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

10/12/2025

🚁 Go Mairidís Beo – That Others May Live ☘️

Born from tragedy in the 1950s & 60s, two Alouette IIIs arrived in 1963 and changed everything.

First rescue: Christmas 1963 ❄️
Daring mountain saves, Troubles border ops, the heartbreak of Rescue 248 (1999), and an incredible 44 years of service.

18 DSMs. Thousands of lives saved.
The Alouette III – the greatest aircraft the Irish Air Corps ever flew.

The full epic story is in the latest An Cosantóir Magazine 🇮🇪

👉 Link in bio to read it now!

09/12/2025

Our feature article in this issue 😊

🇮🇪💚 4th in the World – Women’s Military Rugby World Cup 2025 🥉
We left rank at the gate, pulled on the green jersey and fought as sisters.
From epic wins over Tonga to ice baths and bodhrán sessions with Fiji, every second was pure magic.
Huge thanks to our players, coaches, management, Lt Gen Mulcahy and everyone who cheered us on.
This fairytale belongs to all of you.
Respect | Courage | Pride
Óglaigh na hÉireann ⚡

www.military.ie

08/12/2025

People of the DF - Inf Pln Sgt Course Series

In our final interview of the series we asked the Pln Comd to reflect on the past 2 months and share some feedback with us.
Thank you for allowing us access to the course and supporting our series and best of luck to all the students in the next stage of their careers.

Name: Lt Zara Bolger
Service: 6 years
Current Role: Platoon Commander, 12 IPSC

Can you give us a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined in 2019 straight after school. I got commissioned to 3 Inf Bn in 2021 which has been a great unit and environment to learn in.”

How do you feel the course went overall?
“Overall it’s been a great course. The staff of the NCOTW have a wealth of knowledge and experience and working alongside them has taught me a lot. They set the standard with how courses should be conducted.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced?
“For me it was a challenge to find the balance between being available to assist the students whilst on exercise, while also ensuring the admin for the course was being completed to a good standard.”

What was the biggest learning for the next course?
“Having spoken to the permanent staff, they really value people coming down with a good attitude and a willingness to immerse themselves in the values of the school.”

What is your favourite quote?
“Tempus fugit.” (Time flies)

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable because you will never improve yourself unless you do.”

02/12/2025

🔥 THE PLATOON ATTACK IS BACK 🔥

After a 10-year break, September 2025 saw the return of the legendary Infantry Platoon Attack Competition in the Glen of Imaal 🏔💥
7 Platoons | 3 days | 0 excuses
From lightning Quick Attacks and fighting through depth, to precision marksmanship stands with rifle, M203, GPMG and SRAAW – this was Mission Command and pure Infantry grit on full display.
Huge congratulations to the warriors of the 28th Infantry Battalion on taking home the Infantry Platoon Attack Trophy 🏆
2nd: 3rd Infantry Battalion
3rd: an Céad Chathlán Coisithe
The standard was sky-high across the board. Fire control tight, CASEVAC instinctive, assaults delivered with serious audacity. This is what right looks like 👊
Massive thanks to the Infantry School, NCOTW, IWW, 1 BTC, 1 MIC, EUBG, armourers, safety staff, enemy party and the cooks who kept everyone fed in the field.
The Glen tested us, the Platoons answered.
Teamwork remains the decisive factor.
To read the full article by Comdt Steve Byrne – click on the link in bio 🔥

01/12/2025

People of the DF - Inf Pln Sergeant Course

Name: Cpl Daniel Clarke
Service: 11 years
Unit: JITC

Can you give me a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined the DF in 2014 and spent 9 years in 7th BN and then transferred to the JITC. I travelled overseas in 2018 to UNIFIL and completed my POTS course in 2021.”

What made you decide to do the standard course?
“I wanted to continue to progress my career and challenge myself with the new role.”

How did you prepare physically and mentally for going on the course?
“Mostly, I practiced the CFA tests and by asking people who had completed the course for insight.”

What do you think will be the most challenging part of the course?
“Learning the new role and how to carry out the tasks while on the ground phases.”

What advice would you give to somebody consider considering doing the course?
“Have everything boxed off before coming on the course such as the criteria needed and the physical training done before the start of the course.”

What is your favourite quote?
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

25/11/2025

The back cover of our current issue of An Cosantóir magazine is a very special one featuring the 10 time winner of our annual 10k road race Pte Kenneth Rodger’s of
Well done Kenny and we hope to see you again next year battling it out for number 11 💪
We hope to see you all there too 😊

24/11/2025

People of the DF - Inf Pln Sergeant Course Series

Name: Cpl Tom Ramelis
Service: 10 years
Unit: 6th Infantry Battalion

Can you give me a brief description of your career so far?
I’ve been serving in the Defence Forces for 10 years, based with the 6th Infantry Battalion in Custume Barracks, Athlone. In that time, I’ve gained a broad range of experience both at home and overseas. I’ve completed two tours with UNIFIL in Lebanon, instructed on two recruit platoons, and delivered training on several 2- and 3-Star courses as well as a Potential NCO (PNCO) course. I’ve also completed numerous career courses to further develop my skills and knowledge.

What made you decide to do the Standard Course?
I wanted to push myself to the next level, both personally and professionally. The Standard Course has a reputation for testing you to your absolute limits and producing real leaders. It was an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, learn from some of the best instructors in the Defence Forces.

How did you prepare physically and mentally for the course?
Physically, I focused on building endurance, strength and mobility – lots of long-distance running, weighted marches, and functional fitness work. Mentally, it was about discipline and consistency: setting small, achievable goals every week, visualising tough scenarios, and practising staying calm and focused when tired or under pressure.

What do you think will be the most challenging part of the course?
The combination of extreme physical fatigue and constant mental pressure. It’s one thing to be fit on day one, but maintaining sharp decision-making, looking after your team, and keeping a positive attitude when you’re cold, wet, hungry and sleep-deprived – that’s where it really tests you.

What is your favourite quote?
“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen

21/11/2025

What do you think of our front cover this month?
We love it 😊
You can read this months edition of the magazine by just clicking on the link in our bio 👍

18/11/2025

📸✈️ NEW QUALIFIED WINCHMEN READY FOR ACTION!

Congratulations to Cpl Kevin Maher, Cpl Jamie O’Sullivan, Cpl Sean McHugh and Airman William Brien who have just successfully completed the intense Land Winchman Course with No. 3 Operations Wing on the AW139! 🪝⛰️

From classroom → JADS static rig → live hovering over the Wicklow Mountains, these four mastered single, double and stretcher lifts, emergency cable cuts, and mountain risk assessment in rotor downwash and tough terrain.

Next stop: Maritime Winchman training over open water and moving ships! 🇮🇪

👉 To read the article in full click on the link in our bio!!!

17/11/2025

People of the DF - Inf Pln Sergeant Course

Name: Cpl Daniel Bradley
Service: 12 Years
Unit: 6th Battalion

Can you give me a brief description of your career so far?
“I enlisted back in 2013 where I completed my Recruit Training and 2-3 star in Finner Camp. I was then stationed in 6th Battalion, Custume Barracks. I’ve gone on 3 overseas trips. Two trips to UNIFIL one trip to UNDOF”

What made you decide to do the standard course?
“I just wanted career progression and better opportunities within the organisation.”

How did you prepare physically and mentally for going on the course?
“I revised over basic military tactics and practiced the Fitness Assessments, I also got good advice off previous students from the 11th and 10th IPSC.”

What do you think will be the most challenging part of the course?
“The Fitness Assessments were challenging but also mentally preparing yourself for your test appointments.”

What advice would you give to somebody considering doing the course?
“Practice the Fitness Assessments and have all your personal admin sorted prior to commencement of the course and get advice off your colleagues.”

What is your favourite quote
“Trust The Process.”

12/11/2025

The Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) is proud to announce a Gala Evening taking place on Sunday, 16th November 2025 at 7.30pm in St Brigid’s Garrison Church, Curragh Camp.

This special event will feature performances by the Combined Defence Forces Band under the direction of Captain William Chester, the Pipes of the Defence Forces, and The Baldonnel Singers conducted by Mr. David Lanigan. The evening will also include a guest performance by tenor Paul Linehan.

All proceeds from the concert will support local charitable organisations, including the Curragh Lourdes Fund, Curragh Military Museum, Curragh Family Resource Centre, ONE, and IUNVA.

Tickets are priced at €20 and are available on the door or in advance from local outlets listed on the event poster.

This Gala Evening promises to be a memorable night of music, community, and support for local causes.

Thank you ☺️

10/11/2025

People of the DF - Inf Pln Sergeant course

Name: Cpl Stephen Doherty
Service: 21 Years
Unit: 28th Battalion, Finner Camp

Can you give me a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined the Defence Forces in 2004, I spent 3 years in the Air Defence Regiment in the DFTC after which I transferred to the 28th Inf Bn, Finner camp. I completed my PNCO Course in 2btc Athlone in 2014. I have served overseas with UNMIL and UNIFIL and I’m currently a student on the 12th Inf Platoon Sgts Course.”

What made you decide to do the standard course?
“I decided to do the course to further progress my career and to challenge myself with a new role withing the DF.”

How did you prepare physically and mentally for going on the course?
“I prepared myself physically for the course by following the programme set out with the joining instructions and staying disciplined throughout that process. With regards to the mental preparation, I’ve been mentally preparing by doing the pre-course study and getting myself in the right mindset.”

What do you think will be the most challenging part of the course?
“I think the most challenging part of the course will be the 4 physical fitness assessments alongside the tactical exercises which will be physically and mentally demanding. I also think being away from my family each week will bring its own challenges.”

What advice would you give to somebody considering doing the course?
“I would advise them to be in the best physical shape possible starting the course and to have the right mindset coming on to the course as it will be difficult at times.”

What is your favourite quote?
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Address

Block 5 , Ceannt Barracks
Curragh Camp

Telephone

+35345445307

Website

http://www.military.ie/familyday

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when An Cosantóir posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to An Cosantóir:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company in Curragh Camp?

Defence Forces Magazine

We are the Defence Forces Magazine. A magazine by members for members of the Irish Defence Forces. We have been in existence since 1940 and we publish 10 issues per year. You can subscribe for 30 Euro a year for a printed copy of the magazine or 10 Euro per year for a digital copy of the magazine