Ahead of the 2024 Garda recruitment deadline, ‘The Echo’ has been invited to take part in a pre-employment Garda fitness test.
Fianna Fail justice spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan, who completed and passed the pre-entry Garda fitness test in 2023, previously said the test was “too demanding”.
I failed the test, but I don’t think so.
Judging by my current fitness level, I’m not the type of person who should exercise, and the test reflected that.
This test consists of three components: a bleep test, a muscular endurance test, and an obstacle course.
The first and second sections are based on the applicant’s age and gender, with males and younger trainees requiring a higher level of fitness.
As a 24 year old female, I needed to reach a level 7.6 overall.
The muscular endurance test required me to complete 30 consecutive sit-ups within 60 seconds, followed by 20 push-ups, which I passed.
Having never participated in a sport, I was just a few levels short of the required bleep test goal.
I think a goal of 7.6 is easily achievable for people who regularly play sports.
For example, new Garda recruit Sinead Roche, 24, who also spoke to the media, reported that she successfully completed the bleep test component.
Sergeant Sean Mac Soin, 51, of the Garda Press Bureau, achieved the highest score on media day.
After a short break, applicants must participate in an obstacle course.
The seemingly demanding circuit consisted of climbing gates, passing under low beams, running up stairs, carrying tires, and dragging a weighted mannequin between two points.
All of these must be completed 3 times within 3 minutes and 20 seconds.
The obstacle course is well designed to mimic real-life scenarios and Garda News Agency spokesperson Liam Geraghty said:
“You might be asked to lift someone off the ground.
“You may have to chase someone over a wall or gate.”
Approximately 30% of people who take the test fail.
However, Garda College fitness trainer Sergeant Pat Kirwan said potential applicants would know the physical requirements for assessment in advance and those currently employed would need to train until the summer. explained.
So, while a potential recruit takes five months to get in shape, it took me and my fellow journalists a few days.
Mr O’Callaghan previously said: “While we appreciate that a basic level of fitness is a prerequisite for the Garda, the current test means that those who have difficulty completing the intense obstacle course may be disqualified. “I think so,” he said.
After taking part in the Garda Fitness Test, I thought this was exactly the case.
I was 24 years old and failed the exam, and a 51 year old man ran all over me.
Physical fitness tests do not prevent Gardaí from recruiting, they simply ensure that the right people are selected to protect our communities.
You can apply to join An Garda Síochána at publicjobs.ie until 3pm today.