Twenty-five soldiers from Westmeath and Roscommon set for Lebanon deployment
The latest group of Irish peacekeeping troops who will serve in South Lebanon is due to depart in the coming weeks, with 13 soldiers from Westmeath and 12 from Roscommon among the travelling contingent.
Earlier today (Thursday), the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin was in Custume Barracks, Athlone, to review the men and women of the 125th Infantry Battalion prior to their departure for a six-month deployment to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The 125th Inf Bn will consist of 381 personnel in total, and will be led by Athlone resident Lt Col Shane Rockett.
The soldiers, who were accompanied by relatives and friends during today's ceremony, will deploy amid an escalation in violence in the region between Israel and Hezbollah.
During his speech in Athlone today, Micheál Martin said decision to send Irish troops overseas on UN peacekeeping duty was never taken lightly.
"This is particularly so today, given the ongoing conflict in Lebanon," he stated.
Addressing the family members of the soldiers, he said: "I understand, given the current situation, that this moment is filled with a mix of concern, uncertainty, but also pride for you.
"I want to acknowledge those feelings and assure you that I and Government share them also, as does the General Staff and my Department.
"I absolutely appreciate however that they are far more personal and intense for those who have loved ones preparing to deploy.
"Our soldiers are individuals who have chosen to serve a greater purpose. With robust training and strength of character and support of comrades, they are stepping forward to promote peace, stability, and security in a difficult and complex region."
Camp Shamrock, where the Irish troops are based, was struck by a rocket on Wednesday afternoon, in an incident which the Tánaiste, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, were asked about in Athlone today.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the rocket strike, which is said to have caused little damage.
* For full coverage of the Ministerial Review of the 125th Infantry Battalion in Custume Barracks today, see next Wednesday's edition of the Westmeath Independent.