A soldier from Dungiven, County Londonderry, has secured the top non-commissioned officer prize at the Massachusetts National Guard Best Warrior Competition in the United States. Corporal Dylan Quigg, 29, who serves with the Irish Defence Forces in Donegal, beat dozens of US soldiers over three days of gruelling tests.

The competition evaluated 11 military skills, including battlefield medical aid, marksmanship, navigation, hand grenade throwing, and an examination on US military doctrine. Competitors also faced a mock promotion interview and a 12-mile march carrying a 35-pound pack. Cpl Quigg was among four soldiers from the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner Camp who travelled to Boston for the event.

His colleagues, Sergeant Ryan Kelly and Privates Stephen Mitchell and Dylan McGarrigle, were also decorated with Military Achievement medals in recognition of their performances. Cpl Quigg said it was more satisfying to see the entire Irish contingent acknowledged for their training and effort.

The team earned its place at the international competition by winning the Defence Forces’ Platoon Attack Competition in County Wicklow earlier in the year. In preparation, they underwent training with the Army Ranger Wing to familiarise themselves with US-issue weapons, including M4 assault rifles and Sig pistols, which differ from standard Irish equipment.

Cpl Quigg described the victory as the pinnacle of his career since joining the Defence Forces in 2017. He noted that the Irish participants gained popularity among competitors as their results mounted, and he praised the warm welcome from their American hosts.