Padraig takes on Gaisce Defence Forces challenge

Mullingar teenager Padraig Byrne was among a select group of young people from across Ireland who took part in this year’s Gaisce Defence Forces Adventure Challenge, held at Custume Barracks, Athlone, on August 19-21.

The day challenge, hosted by the 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment (2 BAR), forms part of Padraig’s journey towards achieving his Silver Gaisce, The President’s Award.

Padraig and 11 other participants took on a programme of activities designed to test resilience, teamwork, and survival skills. The group received instruction in camouflage and concealment, learned fire-lighting and survival techniques with minimal equipment, and completed a series of challenging hikes in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and surrounding areas.

Lt Col Niall Verling, Commanding Officer of 2 BAR, praised the young participants, saying the Defence Forces aimed to provide “a challenging interactive environment to assist the participants to achieve their silver award”, while also giving them an insight into the discipline and teamwork that underpin military life.

Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce, highlighted the value of the experience: “Adventure in the outdoors is a cornerstone of the Gaisce experience, offering young people the chance to step beyond the familiar and discover both the natural world and their own inner resources. Through this journey, participants gain practical skills, but also important life lessons in resilience, problem-solving and teamwork.”

For Padraig, representing Mullingar was an unforgettable experience, combining adventure with personal growth.

The Gaisce Defence Forces Challenge has been running for 37 years, offering young people the chance to push their limits and build skills that stay with them long after the event.

The Gaisce Award, established in 1985, is a personal development programme for 14–25-year-olds, encouraging young people to dream big, develop new skills, and make a positive contribution to their communities.