28 Inf Bn continued to support
@HSELive
over the Christmas period.
We deployed COVID 19 testers to sites in Swords and the RDS in Dublin. We also deployed troops to sites in Sligo and Letterkenny.
The note attached was received by a member of the public from Dublin.
The final results are in!
We're proud to announce from a field of 36 teams from across Europe, the 28 Infantry Battalion Snipers have finished 10th overall and 2nd in the International category of the Danish International Sniper Competition.
Well done from all in Finner Camp!
1. We are delighted report that our team representing
@defenceforces
has been awarded the Gold Medal at Ex
#CambrianPatrol
hosted by
@BritishArmy
's
@ArmyInWales
. This arduous event tests small unit patrolling and fieldcraft skills with participants traversing 60km over 48 hours
The results are in....
After a tough competition against a highly competitive field, our team has placed 4th overall and 2nd in the international category.
Congratulations to both
#sniper
teams that have represented our Battalion and
@defenceforces
in the last two weeks.
Pte Denis Kelly will retire this week after 42 years loyal service in the Defence Forces. Having served much of his career in Lifford, he also saw extensive overseas service with 9 tours of duty to Lebanon with
@UNIFIL_
. We wish Pte Kelly well on his retirement.
#Donegal
A bittersweet day in Finner as the stand down parade for BSM Conn O'Brien took place.A man who epitomised the DF values and gave over 41years of loyal service. We thank him and his family for all the sacrifices made during his career and wish him well in all his future endeavours
All members of the
@28infantry
wish to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the unit, colleagues and families of those involved in the tragic incident in Lebanon last night. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis
Last night our team conducted a sniper insertion exercise, testing their navigation skills by night.
Following this, they completed a series of live fire exercises that tested teamwork, judging distances and direction, as well as skill at arms with a variety of weapon systems.
Our team has successfully completed the "Stalk." This event challenges competitors to infiltrate to a location without being detected by an enemy force, move to a final firing position, gather battlefield int, execute a shot and exfill undetected to friendly lines.
Today marked the end of BSM Dave O'Reilly's time as Unit BSM
He will take up an appointment as 2 Bde Sgt Maj
He had an incredibly positive impact on all ranks in 28 Inf Bn, and will no doubt be an exceptional asset to
@2BdeGoc
We wish him continued success in his new role
OC 28 Inf Bn was delighted to issue stripes to newly promoted Cpls on parade this morning.
Cpls McGillion, Diver, McDaid, Mulhern and McColgan will take up their new appointments within the Battalion.
Congratulations to each of them.🦁
Friends at work, foes on the pitch.
Pte Campbell and Pte Doherty part of Naomh Conaill GAA team that will face St Eunans GAA (Pte Kieran Doherty, part of the back room team with St. Eunans team) on Sunday 07/11/21 in the Donegal Senior Football Final at Sean Mac Cumhaill Park.
At dawn this morning in South Lebanon, the entire Irish-Polish Battalion paraded in silence to honour the memory of our fallen comrade, Pte Seán Rooney, on his first anniversary. Later, we will honour his memory at the Tibnine Memorial. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Yesterday 93 recruits from all over Ireland were attested in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. Today they commenced their
#inductiontraining
in Finner Camp making up the 42nd and 43rd recruit platoons respectively. 🇮🇪🦁
#bemore
#Donegal
Troops in training Thurs. The 2-3 star pln concluded a 96hr exercise with a 12km fully loaded march. A rite of passage for all soldiers.The exercise is a test of all the skills they have acquired throughout training. Pictured at Rougey before the final leg into Finner camp
#pride
"We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
– Archilochos
The 39th Recruit Platoon introduced to the Atlantic Ocean
Physical and mentally robust training will build a life long bond among these young soldiers.
Troops in training Thursday.
The 2-3 star platoon took a break from ceremonial rehearsal to climb a blustery Benbulben. Tomorrow they pass out and begin their careers as 3 Star Soldiers where a world of opportunity awaits. Where will their journey take them?
Congratulations to 28 INF BN Teams at this year's All Army Shooting Competition. Winners of Rifle & Novice Rifle Team Comps, Falling Plates and GPMG Team. Individual winners Pte White PDF and Capt Waldron RDF. Excellent displays
of marksmanship and the best result overall.
Today we marked a busy year in the Battalion with our traditional Bn Christmas Dinner.
The chefs put on an amazing spread, and the Officers and Senior NCOs served the troops to thank them for all their work in 2023.
Today in the NCOs Mess we wished A/BQMS Paul Thompson farewell. He retires shortly after 39 years loyal service to the Defence Forces. He has served overseas no fewer than 10 times. He is pictured here with OC 28 Inf Bn, Lt Col Shane Rockett.
#bemore
We the serving Officers, NCOs and Soldiers of 28 Inf Bn, wish you all very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
We send our best wishes to our soldiers and their families who are serving overseas, and those on duty at home during the Christmas period
Here's to a great 2022🦁
Good afternoon!
The
#sniper
team photographed yesterday are in the UK for the Tri Service Sniper Competition.
As well as teams from across the UK Armed Forces, our pair will be up against competitors from 🇺🇲🇩🇰🇳🇱.
We'll be following their progress throughout this week.
Céad Míle Fáilte to the 40 Recruit Pl who begin their training in FINNER CAMP this week. These individuals will be taught basic soldiering skills by the Officers and NCOs of the Unit, with the goal of passing out as 3 Star Ptes in FEB 23.
Go n-éirí libh.
We the Officers, NCOs and Soldiers of the 28th Infantry Bn, wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024.🎄🎅
Especially those on duty over this period, at Home🇮🇪 and Overseas🇺🇳
@28infantry
are delighted to announce the promotion of Cpl Barry Foley.
Barry has given 39 years of exemplary service to
@defenceforces
, very popular decision here and we wish him the best of luck in his new role.
Pictured receiving his rank markings from DCO Cmdt Enda Caldwell
Today I thanked & coined Cpl Edward Gallagher & Pte Liam Toner
@28infantry
. On Mon while driving to
#RDS
#COVID19
testing they saw a fallen man with a possible cardiac arrest - they rendered
#CPR
until arrival of
@DubFireBrigade
. Actions in best traditions of #ÓglaighnahÉireann
On 03 Oct 1938 pursuant to the terms of the Anglo-Irish agreement, Fort Dunree, in Inishowen was handed over by the Royal Artillery of the British Army, to the Coastal Artillery Corps of the Irish Defence Forces.
A long overdue victory for the
@28infantry
in the annual an Cosantoir block run. Well done to all the teams involved and a big thank you to the organisers for another great event.
#selflessness
#RunFinnerRun
It's the end of Day 3 of DISC and the results are in.
28 Infantry Battalion are in 13th place overall and 2nd in a highly competitive international field that has competitors from Paratroop, Commando and Fallschirmjäger units.
#BeMore
#irishinfantry
#IrishArmy
#Snipers
#Donegal
Today the 28 Infantry Battalion paused to remember the crew of Rescue 111 who gave their lives whilst engaged on a search & rescue operation on this day, 1999. We also remembered Pte Healey, Pte Forrester Pte Kelly and Pte Stewart who recently died in service.
Congratulations to Sergeant McBrearty on his recent promotion from Corporal to Sergeant. We wish him every success in his new role. Pictured here receiving his new rank markings from OC B Coy Captain Gethins.
#AnBhearnaBhaoilaChosaint
#bemore
Whilst we're all still a long way from the finishing line or a final result, our
#Finner
#Snipers
achieved the top marks in both of yesterday's events, sharing joint first in a known range engagement and top score in a timed multi weapon and multi target event.
We are delighted today to support
@gardainfo
Little Blue Heroes in Carrigans, Co. Donegal. Eoin Brogan is 12 years old and is a massive Defence Forces fan, no doubt influenced by his brother Pte William Brogan, who serves with us here in 28 Inf Bn.
Recruit Platoon Ciaran have just completed a 24 Hour defensive exercise on the range area of Finner Camp.
Recruits were tested in trench building, trench routine, personal administration and patrolling.
More to come from Platoon Ciaran in the coming weeks.
Well done to the 28 Inf Bn troops who completed the 4 x 4 x 48 at the weekend.
Again this was in aid of the Children's Ward of Letterkenny Hospital and DF Benevolent Fund.
Over €3000 raised so far.
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
28 Inf Bn are saddened to learn of the untimely death of Lt Paul Connaughton, D Coy, Sligo.
Paul was a popular member of D Coy, who is fondly remembered by reserve and permanent staff alike.
Our thoughts are with his wife Meryl and children Fergus, Rory and Cara.
1. The
@defenceforces
Infantry Corps have used the FN MAG machine gun in a variety roles since 1964.
Over the past few weeks, soldiers in the 28 Infantry Battalion have been busy training on the use of this weapon in the Sustained Fire role.
Platoon Ciaran conducted their final exercise in the rugged area around Barnesmore Gap, Donegal.
Students were tested in Section tactics, Patrolling, and culminated in their first Platoon level operation.
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
#strenghtenthenation
We regret to announce the passing of Pte Darragh Kavanagh, a valued member of
#TheDublinBattalion
.
Survived by his loving family and friends. More information on the
@7_inf_bn
Instagram page. RIP.
The Danish International Sniper Competition (DISC) exercises competitors for five day's in a variety of military skills including judging distance, infiltration, use of non issue weapons, and firing from unstable platforms.
(1/6) The 5th Feb 21 will forever be a special day in the memories of Recruit Platoon Ciaran.
This is the day they pass out as Private Two Star, and is a significant milestone on their journeys to become fully trained soldiers.
They started their training on 19 Oct 20
Our Three Star Course continues...
Physically and mentally robust training results in competent and professional soldiers.
The fact that they go through this together will bond them for the rest of their lives.
#bemore
#donegal
#bigbaldyifyouknowyouknow
Congratulations to Pl MUIREANN who successfully completed their training on 22 APR 22. GOC 2 BDE presented scrolls to each member of the Pl, and awards for best soldier/ kit. The new 3* Ptes will now be posted to 2 BDE Units. We wish them every success in their future careers.
Our Three Star Course took another step on their DF journey this week. They conducted Live Fire Training in the Glen of Imaal. They were tested in individual, buddy pair and section tactics. They fired all section weapons including M203 and Short Range Anti Armour Weapon.🦁🇮🇪
Mental Health becoming more & more important
Today soldiers from 28 Bn commenced a two day course in MH First Aid
This training is delivered by Defence Forces Personnel Support Service Staff, & participants will receive a cert from Mental Health First Aid Ireland on completion
41st Three Star Course
📍Pettigo, Co. Donegal.
Our Three Star Course continued their training where they were tested in navigation , harbour occupation and routine, patrolling, and tactics. They finished the week with a 15km march back to Finner Camp.
#bemore
#Donegal
Another busy week for the unit. This weeks main effort involves
#LFTT
or live fire tactical training.
Under the watchful eye of our
#LFTT
instructors our 2-3* course including instructors fired the M203 40mm grenade launcher & carried out tactical training with live ammunition.
B Coy conducted a terrain walk and navigation exercise yesterday.
They travelled from Glencar to Truskmore traversing the Sligo/Leitrim border.
Always trust your compass!!!! 🧭
Today we acknowledged the exceptional work of the civilian staff working in Finner Camp
The Front of House staff and Bk Foreman keep the show on the road in Camp, which allows us do our job outside Camp
We wish them and their families a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
There is fit and
#Infantry
Fit. Gym's may be closed across the country, but in the 28 Infantry Battalion training continues
#outdoors
. Our Physical Training Instructors have made a weekly programme for the men & women of our unit. Are you up for the challenge?
This morning the recruits were presented with an excellent opportunity to improve their physical robustness with a Pln Sgt PT session, which took place in the beautiful training grounds here in Finner camp.
#AnBhearnaBhaoilaChosaint
#FreePTFriday
#BeMore
(1/2)Platoon Ciaran reached the culmination of Tactical Training as they took part in Ex Extinguish.
Here the platoon were tested in Recce Patrolling, Harbour Routine, Navigation, CBRN drills and Ambush.
All done in the spectacular surrounding near Pettigo, Co. Donegal.
28 Inf Bn welcomed the 39th Recruit Platoon to Finner Camp on Monday.
They commenced their 16 weeks training.
Those who are successful will qualify as Private 2 Star.
They will be known as Platoon Muireann and come from all over the country.
We wish them well.
We the serving Officers, NCOs and Soldiers of 28 Inf Bn, wish you all very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We send our best wishes to our soldiers and their families who are serving overseas, and those on duty at home during the Christmas period.
Here's to a great 2021!
A successful few days for 28 INF BN at the 2 BDE Small Arms Competition. The Unit won both Rifle Team and Novice Rifle Team Competitions, in addition to taking 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in the Individual Rifle Competition, and 1st & 2nd place in the Novice Individual Rifle Competition
This week the Javelin YE course was completed. An excellent course for the enthusiastic students. Well done to all the students and thank you to the instructors for delivering the course to an excellent standard.
#newlyqualified
#bemore
Day 4 commences for our
#sniper
team in Denmark. Yesterday, in addition to the "Stalk" the team participated in two events that simulated the chaotic elements of urban battles, including fighting at close quarters, casualty extraction, and engaging targets from high buildings.
Three Star Platoon Ciaran continued their training. Today they conducted the sub caliber shoot on the SRAAW.
Here they fired 9mm tracer rounds from a specially made bolt.
A back blast simulator is fitted to the weapon to simulate the back blast.
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
28 Inf Bn Basic Recconisance Course ramped up in intensity in the past week.
This was achieved with the support of the Defence Forces Diving Group.
A river crossing exercise took place in Hazelwood, Sligo.
This was followed by a Boat Insertion and Recce on Sligo Airport.
Congratulations to Pte Jessica Moorehead A Coy, who won her category in the Defence Forces Cross Country Championships, in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle.
Congratulations to Sgt Shane Murrin was re-enlisted today. Here we can see Sgt Murrin finishing up his paperwork, under the watchful eye of attestation Officer Lt Dunne. Sgt Murrin has a wealth of experience which will benefit the 28 Inf Bn and Defence Forces going forward.
Congratulations to Pte Gerald (Ganch) Friel, HQ Coy, on winning the Collins Cup in
@dftc_pio
with 46 points.
Pte Friel will retire in a fortnight following 41 years service, including 5 trips overseas.
A great example of loyalty to the Unit and
@defenceforces
RDF, 28 INF BN recently conducted 2 weeks of training in FINNER CAMP. Activities included navigation exercises, range practices, induction training and fitness testing. RDF 28 BN conduct regular training in SLIGO and LETTERKENNY
#joinourteam
#bemore
#AnBhearnaBhaoilaChosaint
In a busy period for Platoon Ciaran, their essential training continued with Military Operations in Urban Terrain.
This was conducted in the Defence Forces Training Center.
Their training is ramping up with their ground phase fast approaching.
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
OC 28 Infantry Battalion, Lt Col O'Donovan congratulated the newly promoted Sgt Crawford who takes up the appointment of Sergeant in the Personnel Support Service, Finner Camp.
The PSS play an important role in supporting Defence Force Personnel and Military Families.
'Destiny is not fate, it's navigation' Richie Norton
B Coy conducted a navigation exercise this morning on the 7 sisters mountain range, finishing on Errigal under harsh terrain and conditions.
Breathtaking views over Donegal as the sun was rising.
#Induction
is not the only training taking place in
@28infantry
. We recently conducted a Basic Recce Course. This took place at locations all over Sligo and Donegal, and culminated in badge week in
@goc_dftc
. Well done to the students and instructors.
Congratulations to all who passed the Basic Infantry Close Reconnaissance Course conducted by 28 INF BN. The course intent is to train and qualify Infantry Pte’s, NCOs and Officers to operate within the Battalion’s Reconnaissance Platoon.
28 Inf Bn recently completed the 4 x 4 x 48 for charity.
They raised over €3,600 in aid of the Children's Ward of Letterkenny University Hospital. Pictured is the team with the donation to
#LUH
.
A donation was also made to the DF Benevolent Fund.
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
(1/2) GAS GAS GAS!!! Three Star Platoon Ciaran were put through their paces as the carried out CBRN drills recently.
CBRN stands for Chemical Biological Radioactive and Nuclear.
Each student is taught how to quickly Don their CBRN suit and decontaminate themselves.
Since April this year 28 Inf Bn were paired with Red Cow Hotel Dublin to administer Mandatory Hotel Quarantine on behalf of the state. This association comes to an end this week.
We thank the management and staff for their outstanding support for the past 5 months.
As DISC day 3 commences, the results have come in for day 2. Out of a field that contains over 30 teams, our sniper pair are currently 11th overall and 2nd in the international category.
The international category has teams from 🇨🇵🇩🇪🇪🇪🇱🇹🇱🇻🇫🇮🇸🇪🇳🇴🇲🇨🇺🇦🇬🇧🇺🇲
Today the unit celebrated its 50th anniversary.
A short ceremony was held followed by a display of some of our past and present weaponry, uniforms and vehicles.
@28infantry
wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to all the members of our community affected by the tragic events in Creeslough. We offer heartfelt condolences and support to Privates Sean and Neil Martin and to Corporal Thomas O'Donnell on their losses at this time.
1/2 As Finner Camp is located on the north-western coast of Ireland, it has been identified as an ideal facility make use of green energy.
@DF_Engineers
oversaw the installation in recent weeks of Solar Panels on the roof of the Transport Workshop.
Today, the Officer Commanding 28 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel O'Donovan was pleased to inform Corporal Ward of his promotion to Sergeant and present him with his new rank markings.
'To stand on top of Errigal would give me such a thrill, and hear them say in Dublin there's gold in them there hills'- Goats Don't Shave
28 Bn continue with the programme of navigation in the Hills of Donegal on Errigal and Barnesmore.
Today
@28infantry
remembered all of those that we have lost by holding our annual deceased members mass. They will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.
Our troops continued their training for the Cambrian Patrol exercise in Wales with an after dark orders session. The exercise is a scored assessment based on scenarios designed to test battlefield readiness, leadership and robustness. Could you join the team?
#lovedonegal
#bemore
28 INF BN football team won 5-18 to 0-6 against An Céad Cath in the semi final of the Medical Services Cup in the NUIG Connacht Air Dome in Mayo today. Looking forward to the final against 7 INF BN in the weeks to come.
#AnBhearnaBhaoilAChosaint
#bemore
Today we remembered members of 28 Inf Bn who passed away while in service.
We were delighted to welcome their families into Camp this evening for Mass led by Bn Chaplain Fr Jerry Carroll.
We will always remember these Soldiers.
Today, members of Support Company conducted a joint 81mm Mortar shoot with members
@7_Inf_Bn
. The 81mm mortar provides Irish Infantry Battalions with indirect fire support and has the ability to create a smoke screens and illuminate areas at night.
#BeMore
#IrishArmy
1/2 The recruits of Platoon Ciaran (38th) continued training today and this evening. After practical weapons handling training, under the watchful eye of their instructors, they passed 'Tests of Elementary Training' (TOET's) and they conducted their initial range practices.
Essential training continues in 28 Inf Bn.
Sp Coy have been conducting a Young Entry 81mm Mortar Course.
This will qualify Private soldiers to take up appointments in the Mortar Platoon.
It will also qualify Young Officers and NCOs to conduct future instructor courses.
'Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.' -Samuel Johnson
Training continued for the 39th Platoon recently as they completed their first Defensive Exercise.
That initial 'Dig In' is a massive milestone. 🦁
Three Star Platoon Ciaran, have continued their training since successfully passing out as Private 2 Star.
Today they received a sprig of shamrock from their Platoon Commander 2/Lt Morrissey.
#StPatricksDay
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
Today EO 2 Bde, presented scrolls to the members of the 41st Three Star Pl. This signifies that they are fully trained soldiers, the first step on their military career.
Well done to 2/Lt O'Sullivan, Sgt McBrearty and their staff on conducting this training.
#bemore
After successful completion of the 81mm Mortar YE Course ran in Sp Coy earlier this year, the students got to fire the weapon for the first time in the Glen today.
Well done to the students, and to the RCO and instructors for a job well done.
#anbhearnabhaoilachosaint
28 INF BN was pleased to welcome GOC 2 BDE to Finner Camp today. Brig Gen Cudmore visited troops undergoing induction training, those taking part in professional development courses and others involved in ongoing operations.
#joinourteam
#bemore
#AnBhearnaBhaoilaChosaint
28 Infantry Battalion continues to support the HSE in its fight against COVID 19 both locally in the North West and nationally in Dublin and Leinster areas.
12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun Course run from Support Company will continue this week.
Last week culminated in a weight appreciation and tactical movement exercise in the range area in Finner.
I'll just mention two words.
'BIG BALDY'
#ifyouknowyouknow