http://www.military.ie/familyday

An Cosantóir, Block 5 , Ceannt Barracks, Curragh Camp (2025)

22/08/2025

*TSHIRT/RACE POST*
ANNOUNCEMENT⚠️

We’re delighted to announce this year’s winning entry for the An Cosantóir T-shirt Competition!

This year’s t-shirt was designed by Capt John McCandless (28 Inf Bn RDF) and includes design elements from entries by Pte Ruairí Fry (12 Inf Bn) and Comdt Shane Walsh (2 Bde Eng Gp) who will receive merchandise goodie bags 💪

We had over 30 creative entries which we narrowed down to 3 and then finally.. 1 😊
Thank you to everyone for your submissions 😊

The t-shirt will be available in short sleeve, long sleeve and a limited edition!

The An Cosantóir 2025 10k Road Race will take place on 01 OCT. The race is open to all PDF, RDF, DOD and Retired Personnel.

Click the registration link below/in the bio to sign up!

https://myrunresults.com/events/an_cosantoir_10k_and_5k_walk/5859/details

21/08/2025

DF BJJ

DF BJJ TEAM is on the rise! 💪 They’re crushing it with Coach Tim Murphy and training at one of Ireland’s top gyms. If you’re keen to join or learn more, here’s what to do:
- *Get in touch with your local rep*: Hit them up to find out more about the team and how to get involved.
- *Check the training schedule*: See when and where they’re rolling and come check out a session.

New members and returning athletes welcome! Don’t be shy, reach out and get involved!

21/08/2025

People of the DF

The week to coincide with the launch of the 2025 An Cosantóir 10k Road Race we are catching up with the 3 in a row winner 🥇

Name: Sgmn Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan
Unit: 1CIS

Can you give us an update on your running since last year’s event?
“Since last year’s event, I’ve maintained consistent training with a focus on orienteering rather than road racing. I’ve avoided injuries, illness, or major setbacks, stacking solid weeks of training. My main goal has been peaking for the European Orienteering Championships next week in Belgium, so my workouts have been tailored for that, emphasizing map-based training and specific sessions. I’m thrilled to represent Ireland again and compete in all three disciplines.”

How’s your training going, and what’s your current weekly schedule like?
“Training is going well, and I’m in a great rhythm. I typically cover 140km per week, including at least two key workouts—short or long intervals, threshold runs, or high-intensity orienteering sessions—alongside plenty of easy runs.”

What’s your favorite thing about competing in the An Cosantóir 10km?
“I love the lively atmosphere around the barracks before and after the race. It’s always a competitive event with a great vibe.”

What’s your standout memory from competing in this event?
“Crossing the finish line alone to win in 2022 stands out. I ran a PB that day, which gave me a huge confidence boost moving forward.”

Favorite race t-shirt so far?
“Definitely last year’s!”

Any pre-race superstitions?
“Not superstitions, but I stick to consistent pre-race routines. I always do the same run the day before a race, a habit I’ve kept since 2022, and I have a specific dinner the night before.”

18/08/2025

An Cosantóir 10k Road Race announcement!!!

Keep an eye 👁️ on our page this week for the launch of the An Cosantóir 10k Road Race and also…… the big reveal of this years T-Shirt 🤗
This years T-Shirt design was put out to our followers as a competition and we had so many brilliant entries so we are very excited to share the winning design with you 🤗🤗 and thank you very for to everyone that participated 😊
So keep and eye on our page this week for the official launch of the Race and the T-Shirt for 2026. 🤗🤗
The Registration link will also be going live with the launch 😊

18/08/2025

People of the DF - Naval Service Series

Rank and name: S/Lt Niall Kavanagh (Due to be promoted to LT (NS) in July 2025)
Years of service: 8
Current Role: Gunnery Officer, LÉ Aoibhinn

Can you give us a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined the 57th Naval Cadet Class in Sept 2017 and was commissioned in 2019. As an Officer Under Training (OUT) I served across various different ships and offices before qualifying as a Naval Watchkeeper and being posted to various appointments since that time, such as Navigation Officer of LÉ Róisín, MA to OCNSC and I was previously also Navigation Officer of LÉ Aoibhinn”

What is your current role and can you give us a brief description?
“I’m the Gunnery Officer of LÉ Aoibhinn. I’m responsible for the weapons, ammunition, ordnance and pryos onboard, as well as being one of the 3 Watchkeepers onboard, taking charge of the bridge in 4 hour watches and I’m also the divisional officer of the Seamens branch onboard”

What is the best thing about being in the naval service?
“There are a tonne. My favourite thing, however, is the opportunity to see the world. I’ve been to a lot of far flung places through my career that I’d have otherwise never gotten to visit, such as Lebanon, Singapore, Fiji and The Solomon Islands”

What inspired you to join the Navy?
“I’m from a navy family. My dad, his brothers and my siblings all served and my mother was born and raised on the Naval Base in Haulbowline”

What is the most challenging thing about your job?
“I have two young, beautiful children at home, so spending extended periods of time away from them is certainly difficult”

What advice would you give someone considering a career in the navy?
“Go for it. I love my job, and I can say that honestly. I’ve had some of the best experiences, made some of my closest friends and travelled the world, all while getting paid for it”

What is your favourite quote?
“Homey, I really don’t think this navy thing is a good idea.” - Marge Simpson

14/08/2025

People of the DF

Name: Private Paul Mulkerrin
Service: 18 years
Current Role: Transport Section, 1 Cn Cois, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Galway

Can you give a brief description of your career so far:
“Since joining straight from school, I’ve served proudly in the Irish Defence Forces. My career has included Overseas Service, security duties around Ireland, and working in the Transport Section. I’ve represented 1 Cn Cois in both GAA football and soccer, and now also contribute in management roles for our teams. I’m passionate about sport, leadership, and helping others, both in and outside the DF.”

What made you decide to join the DF?
“I wanted to see the world, challenge myself, and learn new skills within a respected organisation. The DF offered me all of that and more.”

What are your hobbies outside the DF?
“I’m heavily involved in GAA football, soccer, hillwalking, the gym, swimming, coaching, and travelling. I manage St Michael’s GAA Club and have coached under-16, minor, under-19, and junior teams — with the goal of managing the senior team in the future.”

What is your favourite memory from the DF?
“Serving overseas with the Irish Defence Forces, managing the 1 Cn Cois GAA football and soccer teams, and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
“Believe in yourself completely. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’ to take a chance — it doesn’t exist. The best opportunities come when you step out of your comfort zone, so take them.”

What is your favourite quote?
“Trust the process”

What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in the DF?
“The Irish Defence Forces is a great organisation with huge opportunities — from sport and education to travel and new skills. Every day is different, and you get to work alongside a variety of people. I would recommend this career path to anyone willing to embrace the challenges and make the most of the opportunities.”

12/08/2025

What a lovely lovely day we had on Saturday at for the DF Overseas Family Support Day 🥰🥰 Thank you soooo much to everyone who made the journey and took part in the event 😊 You added so much to the day and we hope the little ones were happy with their goodie bags 🤗🤗 have a
lovely week and hopefully we will see you all again soon 🤗🤗 please tag or share any pics if you recognise someone 👍

11/08/2025

People of the DF – Naval Service Series

Rank and Name: Lt (NS) Jason Croke
Years of Service: 14
Current Role: Officer in Charge, Naval Service Diving Section (NSDS)

Can you describe your career so far?
“I joined the Naval Service in 2011 and commissioned in 2013. My early career involved operational roles at sea, overseas, and ashore, but military diving became my focus. I qualified as a Naval Diver in 2018, advanced through qualifications, and now serve as Officer in Charge of the NSDS.”

What is your current role?
“As OiC NSDS, I lead the Defence Forces’ subsea capability, overseeing operational readiness, training, and development. I manage diving standards, coordinate with partners, and advance key projects. It’s demanding but rewarding.”

What’s the best thing about your role or the Naval Service?
“The best thing is the people. I work with a skilled, tight-knit team where trust and professionalism are key. The diving unit’s camaraderie is uniquely rewarding.”

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
“The biggest challenge is maintaining capability with limited resources and high operational demands. Balancing diverse tasks like search and recovery or explosive ordnance disposal with training and safety requires constant focus.”

How has serving in the Navy shaped you?
“It’s made me resilient, adaptable, and mission-focused. The Navy teaches teamwork, discipline, and accountability, pushing you to lead in complex settings and grow professionally and personally.”

What advice would you give someone considering a Navy career?
“Do it. Embrace every opportunity—sea, overseas training, or new challenges. The Naval Service offers unique experiences and skills that last a lifetime.”

What’s your favourite quote?
“Fortune favours the prepared mind.” — Louis Pasteur

07/08/2025

People of the DF

Name: Pte Julia Gorka
Years of Service: 8 yrs
Current Role: Orderly Room OCES

Can you give us a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined the Defence Forces in 2017. Over the course of my career, I completed one operational deployment to Lebanon in 2022. I was taking part in a few DF all-army boxing competitions and am now also part of DF grappling. In June of this year, I was a member of the winning team for Arduous Serpent. I’m currently based in OCES Ord Gp DFTC after my transfer from 7BN in Jan 2023.”

What made you decide to join the DF?
“Since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to join. My granddad and my dad were serving in the Polish army, so I guess it’s in the family.”

How did you get into BJJ?
“I was doing Muay Thai one evening and saw a BJJ class being run at the same time on another mat. I decided to give it a try the next day, and that was it for me. I fell in love with it straight away.”

What does an average training day look like for you?
“My average training day is all about balancing skill, strength, and conditioning. In the morning, I’d usually do cardio and mobility, then evening jiu-jitsu, technique drilling, etc. Other days, I’d do midday weight training and finish off the day with rounds rolling.”

Any goals or plans coming up?
“I’m undergoing an EMT course at the moment, so the plan is to pass all the exams. In sport, I’m getting back on the mat after knee surgery and hopefully competing at the end of the year.”

Favourite book?
“Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty”

What is your favourite quote?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll be successful.”

04/08/2025

People of the DF - Naval Service Series

Name: LS Van Niekerk
Rank: Leading Mech
Years of Service: 6 years, 7 months
Current Role: Instructor in Mech Training

What is your current role, and can you give us a brief description?
“My current role is an instructor in the NMCI for branch training. I am instructing and teaching the next generation of recruits to work in the engineering branch of the Navy. I also instruct other career courses in the mech branch, as well as job-specific skills, such as tool handling, abrasive wheels, and soon, confined spaces.”

What inspired you to join the Navy?
“I had always wanted to join the military, but after injuries in my late teens and early twenties, life carried on. After having worked in the fitness industry for 10 years, it was suggested I could still join the naval service, since at the time the age restriction was under 27. With that, I signed up, and the rest is history.”

What is your standout memory from your career so far?
“I have plenty of memories—some action-packed, like drug interdiction, others somber, like search and rescue. But my favorite memory is being on the bridge wing in the dead of night, watching dolphins swim through bioluminescent waters off the west coast.”

How do you feel your time serving in the Navy has helped shape you as a person?
“It has made me much more resilient. With my background, I had discipline and fitness, but mental resilience is different, and the military has given me that.”

What advice would you give someone considering a career in the Navy?
“You get back what you put in. It’s a hard job, but if you put in the effort and work, you will get it back with interest.”

What is your favorite quote?
“‘I can do this all day’ – Captain America”

31/07/2025

People of the DF

Name: Pte Eoin Woods
Years of Service: 6 years 8 months
Current Role: 1 MIC Logs Staff

Can you give us a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined in November 2018, I have served one overseas trip in Syria with the 64th Inf Gp, I am currently in 1 MIC Logs Staff hoping to progress my career in the logs side of the army, I also have played hurling with the All Army Hurling Team and am currently boxing with the DFTC boxing team.”

What made you decide to join the DF?
“I always had an interest in the army from a young age, tried a few different things when I finished school but had no interest so I joined the army when I was 20 and haven’t looked back since.”

How did you get into boxing?
“I boxed for about a year when I was young and gave it up after I lost my first fight, always regretted giving it up so when I heard about the All Army Boxing this year I said I’d give it a go and try to get back into it.”

What does an average training day look like for you?
“An early morning run and a gym/boxing session throughout the day would be my normal routine.”

Any goals or plans coming up?
“Hoping to continue boxing after the All Army championships this year and see how I get on.”

Favourite book?
“Ant Middleton - Zero Negativity”

What is your favourite quote?
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life”

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
“Don’t get too caught up in things, what’s meant to be will be.”

28/07/2025

People of the DF - Naval Service Series

Rank and name: LS Clodagh Bradshaw
Years of service: 7 years
Current Role: Dental Surgery Attendant

Can you give us a brief description of your career so far?
“I joined in 2018 and went on to specialise in the communications branch. My first posting after completing training was to L.E. Niamh for 2 years. I progressed to an LS after only 3 years in the NS. As an LS, I worked in CIS training and the Naval College training recruits. My next posting was to L.E. Roisin and in 2023 the opportunity came around to join L.E. William Butler Yeats on Op Irini in the Mediterranean. When I returned from Op Irini, I began training in the DFTC prior to the commencement of the Diploma in dental nursing course in UCC which I have just completed.”

What is your current role and can you give us a brief description?
“Currently I am the dental surgery attendant for the Naval Service and 1 Brigade. My roles and responsibilities include infection prevention and control, assisting the dental officer with all procedures”

What is the best thing about your role/being in the Naval Service?
“Getting to interact with different personnel from all over the country and getting to meet the recruits/cadets at the start of their careers.”

What inspired you to join the Navy?
“I went on a school tour when I was around 11 and from then it was always in the back of my mind, so I finally joined when I was 19.”

What is your stand out memory from your career so far?
“Being part of the friendly approach team during Op Irini and getting to meet multiple nationalities and getting a better understanding of their day-to-day life at sea in comparison to a navy’s day-to-day routine.”

What advice would you give someone considering a career in the Navy?
“Like any big decision in life, make sure to think it through before you join. The navy in particular requires a lot of commitment, especially when you are part of a sea-going unit; sometimes it can require a bit of sacrifice, but it’s worth it in the long run.”

What is your favourite quote?
“No is a full sentence.”

An Cosantóir

22/08/2025

21/08/2025

21/08/2025

18/08/2025

18/08/2025

14/08/2025

12/08/2025

11/08/2025

07/08/2025

04/08/2025

31/07/2025

28/07/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Defence Forces Magazine