Limerick troops leave loving families to keep peace in Lebanon
YOUNG Macie Farrell Quinlivan perfectly summed up the emotions of all in attendance in Sarsfield Barracks as the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, reviewed the 122nd Infantry Battalion, which will shortly deploy to Lebanon.
"I’m going to miss my Daddy when he goes on the aeroplane," said the young daughter of Private Seán Quinlivan. The St Mary's Park man is one of 85 soldiers within the battalion deploying on their first overseas peacekeeping mission.
Also, in the Limerick barracks with family and friends before his deployment, was Commandant Liam Halpin from Woodview Park in the city, who while looking forward to the stint abroad said, "this will be the first rotation that I have travelled over with having a little girl, Jessie, so it is going to be quite difficult."
The Irish and Limerick peacekeepers are hoping to conduct their tour "in a safe manner, and support the communities there and the people of Lebanon," agreed Lieutenant Martin Cuddihy of Castletroy.
The 122nd Infantry Battalion will deploy to the UNIFIL area of operations with 338 Irish personnel.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, travelled to Limerick last Thursday to review the battalion, ahead of their deployment as part of the United Nations' Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
"Peacekeeping is the most important international action for good that any nation can participate in and you personify our nation’s commitment to that noble cause.
"You, the men and women of the 122nd Infantry Battalion, are leaving to write a new chapter in the history of the Defence Forces participation in Lebanon."
Noting that their deployment coincides with the return of the 121st Battalion, of which the late Private Seán Rooney was such a valuable member, the Tánaiste added, "as well as being a very honourable task, peacekeeping is, unfortunately, also a dangerous one."
"This fact became a tragic reality last December when eight personnel from the 121st Battalion were involved in an incident resulting in the death of Private Seán Rooney and injuries being sustained by three other members of the Defence Forces."