Private McNeela’s parents lay wreath at Lebanon memorial
JOHN and Kathleen McNeela return to Lebanon where their son Michael was killed on the 24th February 1989.
The trip was instigated by O/C 27 Inf Bn. Lt.Col John Kilmartin in 2017 and sanctioned by the Minister Paul Keogh after much lobbing by the Michael McNeela branch O.N.E.
John and Kathleen were accompanied to Lebanon by Jim McEneaney and Mick Reid from the O.N.E. ‘We were picked up from Beirut airport by Capt. Sean Maguire and Sgt. Shane Mc neaney. UNIFIL. The next day we were taken by UN convoy to UNP 2-45 HQ of the 118 IrishFinbatt operations where we were met by O/C Lt.Col. John Kilmartin’.
‘After lunch we were taken to UNP 6-52 on the Blue Line facing Israel we received a full briefing from the post commander Lt. John McCrystal. We then travelled to Haddatha where Michael McNeela was killed on post 6-38 Alpha in 1989 where Chaplin PJ Summers prayed with John and Kathleen and all present, afterwards we were all invited to the Muckthar’s ( Village Chief ) home for refreshments and chat. Back at UNP 6-45 we attended a BBQ with 27 Inf.Bn. personnel, after the BBQ the Chaplin said mass for Michael in the camp church.
Because there is no facilities for visitors to stay in UNP 6-45 we stayed at a nearby hotel.
‘We were picked up next morning and taken to Tibnine for a ceremony at the Monument for all Irish Soldiers who died in the service of Peace in South Lebanon’.
John and Kathleen laid a wreath in honour of their son Michael at the Monument. Members of the 27 Inf Bn serving with 112 Inf Bn formed a Guard of Honour accompanied by a piper, a violinist played a lament and the names of all who died were read out.
The Ceremony was attended by the Muckthar of Tibnine and local dignitaries, ‘Afterwards we had refreshments in the local community hall. A remembrance ceremony takes place every month at this monument by Irish troops’. After lunch with Lt.Col John Kilmartin and 27Bn members we returned to Beirut for our flight home next morning.
John and Kathleen sends sincere thanks to all members of the 27 Inf.Bn. and to the 112 Inf. Bn UNIFIL for their kindness and assistance during this trip.
Jim and Mick want to thank O/C 27 Inf Bn, Lt.Col Kieran Carey, Sgt Major John Doyle and the 27 Inf Bn. for fundraising for the ONE members to accompany John and Kathleen to Lebanon, we also thank PDFORA for their financial assistance.