Pte Nicole Moorehouse: A Soldier's Journey of Service and Endurance

Nicole enlisted in the Irish Defence Forces in 2017, completing her recruit training in Cathal Brugha Barracks before joining 7 Infantry Battalion, where she served for the next five years. Those formative years laid the foundation for a military career built on professionalism, teamwork and adaptability.

Since joining the Defence Forces, Nicole has completed four overseas deployments. She served with the 116th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon in 2020, followed by a deployment with the 66th Infantry Group to Syria in 2022. She returned to Lebanon in 2023 with the 122nd Infantry Battalion and most recently completed a fourth tour with the 127th Infantry Battalion in 2026. Each deployment brought unique operational challenges and valuable experiences, reinforcing the importance of discipline, resilience and working as part of a close knit team in demanding environments.

Alongside her operational service, Nicole further developed her military skills by completing the Combat Medical Technician (CMT) course in 2021, studying through University College Dublin. The qualification enhanced her ability to provide medical support in operational settings and reflected her commitment to broadening her professional capabilities.

Away from military duties, sport has always played a significant role in Nicole’s life. Before taking up distance running, she enjoyed considerable success in boxing, winning three national titles. The sport instilled discipline, determination and mental toughness qualities that have proven equally valuable throughout her military career.

It was while serving overseas that Nicole discovered a new passion for running. Taking part in the monthly races organised on camp introduced her to endurance running, and what began as a way to stay fit, quickly developed into a competitive pursuit. Inspired by the challenge and camaraderie of those races, she continued training after returning home.

Just three years after taking up the sport competitively, Nicole achieved an outstanding result by finishing 14th overall in the 2025 Dublin Marathon. The achievement marked a significant milestone in her athletic journey and demonstrated how dedication and consistent effort can lead to success in a relatively short period of time.

For Nicole, the connection between military service and endurance sport is clear. Both demand perseverance, preparation, self-discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. The lessons learned through overseas deployments, military training, boxing and distance running complement one another, each contributing to personal growth and resilience.

Looking back on her career so far, Nicole reflects on a journey shaped by service, challenge and continuous development. From recruit training in Cathal Brugha Barracks to multiple overseas missions, national boxing success and competing at the front of one of Ireland’s premier marathons, she has embraced every opportunity to test herself and grow.

"A typical day for me could include administrative duties, I could be on the ambulance or I might squeeze in some training"

As she continues her career in the Defence Forces, Nicole remains committed to maintaining the highest professional standards while pursuing excellence in sport. Her story is one of determination, adaptability and the belief that stepping outside your comfort zone whether on operations or at the starting line of a race can lead to achievements that once seemed beyond reach.

“I’d say if you are curious about joining the Defence Forces, just try it. There are many areas you can explore and you won’t know it until you try”

• For further information on the various career options offered by the Irish Defence Forces, visit www.military.ie/careers

 

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