Peacekeepers send families festive cheer
ANOBLE CLAUS Irish troops on Golan Heights HUNDREDS of Irish troops on peacekeeping duty have recorded festive messages to loved ones.
The Defence Forces currently has 650 soldiers serving in 13 different countries.
Private Sinead O Leary, who is in the Lebanon, said: “At home I serve with the 12th Infantry Battalion in Limerick and
I’m from Douglas in Cork. I’d like to wish my mum and dad, my partner Paul, and all my friends and family a very happy Christmas.”
On the border of Syria, 130 soldiers are hoping the Christmas period will be peaceful.
Defence Forces members are also deployed in missions to Mali, Kosovo, Bosnia, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Western Sahara.
Captain Paul Conlon, from Roscommon, who is serving in the Congo said: “To Senan and baby Saoirse I hope you all have a great day and Santa brings you everything you asked for.
“To my wife Brenda, thank you for keeping the show on the road and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
“Missing you all lots. Finally, to my entire family and friends have a great Christmas and see you all in 2019.”
Carlow man Commandant Tony Bolger, who is also in the Congo, said: “I would like to wish my family and friends at home a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
“I especially want to say hello to my wife Elaine and children Tom and Katie, I miss you all and love you very much.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Cathy Smith has wished her family and friends a very happy Christmas from Mali, while Comdt Kyron Byrne, who is also serving in the African country has sent festive greetings to his wife
Gretta, his parents, his brother in Australia, his colleagues in 7th Infantry Battalion and members of Bective Rugby Club.
Sgt Nobby Mckenna, from Co Monaghan, CS Ray Moynihan, Kilworth, Cork and Dubliner Captain Dan Ahern sent their best wishes from the Golan Heights to loved ones.
And Corporal Eanna Moriarity and Pte Aaron Watts, from Athlone, Co Westmeath, Cpl Dave O Brien from Dublin, Pte Thomas O Neill, Dublin, Cpl Kevin Conlon Wicklow and Dublin native Lt Dempsey, Dublin sent seasons greetings to their families and friends from the same location.
Meanwhile, Captain Steve Keane from Co Kildare also sent greetings home to his loved ones.
I wish my family and friends at home a happy Christmas
CMMDT TONY BOLGER
CONGO YESTERDAY
Sgt Nobby Mckenna, CS Ray Moynihan and Captain Dan Ahern