Cork young people recognised at president's awards for participation in Defence Forces challenge

Two young Cork people have been recognised by Gaisce, the President’s Awards, for their participation in an annual Defence Forces challenge.

Earlier this month, 28 Gaisce Bronze and Silver Award participants from across Ireland took part in four days of outdoor pursuits, boating, obstacle courses, hiking, and survival skills as they participated in the annual Gaisce Defence Forces Adventure Challenge.

Among the young people taking part were Anthony Geraghty from Passage West, and Katie Cronin from Ballingeary.

Both participants received special recognition awards, Anthony for embodying the Defence Forces value of esprit de corps, and Katie for the value of physical endurance.

The Gaisce Award participants, all of whom are aged between 15 and 17, were put through their paces by the team from Custume Barracks, Athlone, which led them through a host of adventure challenges, training, and team-building exercises.

The Gaisce Defence Forces Challenge aims to provide a unique, challenging, and memorable experience that creates strong bonds between participants and provides the opportunity to develop self-sufficiency and leadership skills.

The event offers a rare opportunity for young civilians to get a taste of what life is like for members of our Defence Forces and challenge themselves in a unique way.

The week kicked off for the young people with activities at Custume Barracks, before taking a rib boat to Carnagh, Co Roscommon, where they took part in fieldcraft and survival workshops.

On Friday, the participants completed their final challenge and conquered the Slieve Bán Mountains on a 10km hike.

The event has been taking place for 36 years, with Gaisce and the Defence Forces working together to provide an unforgettable and unique experience for participants.

Speaking at the challenge conclusion ceremony, Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce, said that thanks to the generosity of the Defence Forces, participants from all over Ireland had experienced a taste of what life is like in the Defence Forces.