Gaisce – The President’s Awards participants from Offaly take on Defence Forces Challenge

Four young Offalians were among 28 Gaisce Bronze and Silver Award participants from across Ireland who took part in four days of outdoor pursuits and survival skills as part of the annual Gaisce Defence Forces Adventure Challenge recently.

Eimear Cotter (Tullamore), Isobel McAuliffe (Tullamore), Katie Deverell (Annagharvey), and Paul Talon (Birr) participated in the challenge from June 11 to June 14.

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 week kicked off for the young people with activities at the Custume Barracks, Athlone, 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.

Speaking at the Defence Forces Challenge conclusion ceremony, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, Avril Ryan, said:

“Gaisce – The President’s Award is delighted to maintain our strong partnership with the Defence Forces and offer our participants this unique Adventure Journey. Thanks to the generosity of the Defence Forces, 28 Gaisce participants from all over Ireland experienced a taste of what life is like in the Defence Forces. The young people pushed themselves to their limits, developed skills, built confidence and created friendships and memories they’ll cherish for years. Congratulations to all the participants on completing the 2024 Gaisce Defence Forces Challenge! ‘’

Defence Forces Spokesperson, Comdt Joanne Naughton, Deputy Commanding Officer of 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment, commented on the challenge:

"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. 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."

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 the Defence Forces and challenge themselves in a unique way.

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.