Two Killarney girls took part in the annual Gaisce Defence Forces Adventure Challenge in Athlone recently.

Defence Force Challenge Participants 2024. Photo by: Shane Barr

Participant Elizabeth Roche is presented with a Gaisce Defence Forces Certificate by Commanding Officer 2nd Brigade Artillery Regiment John Prendergast. Photo by: Shane Barr

Between June 11 and 14 a total of 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.

Among the young people taking part were Elizabeth Roche and Kate O’Sullivan from Killarney.

The Gaisce Award participants, aged between 15 and 17, were put through their paces by the team from Custume Barracks, Athlone, who led them through a host of adventure challenges, training and team-building exercises. This challenge completed the Bronze and Silver Adventure Journey Criteria for their Gaisce Award.

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.

This event is 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 the barracks before taking a rib boat to Carnagh, Co. Roscommon where they took part in fieldcraft and survival workshops.

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

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

The Defence Forces Challenge allows young people to learn more about themselves and explore how taking part in these activities can challenge them.

"The Defence Forces were delighted to support the 28 Gaisce students to qualify for the Bronze and Silver Adventure Journey criteria for the Gaisce award. The students showed great enthusiasm and determination in all aspects of the Defence Forces adventure challenge,” said Defence Forces Spokesperson, Commandant Joanne Naughton, Deputy Commanding Officer of 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment.

“As members of the Defence Forces, we were delighted to give the students an insight into the many capabilities the Defence Forces offer. We enjoyed working with the Gaisce team and would like to congratulate all the students on their achievements and wish them well in the future.”