Local TD Nicky McFadden paid a visit to UN troops from Athlone and Mullingar stationed in Lebanon last week.
“It was an honour to attend the medal parade at Camp Shamrock in Tibnine, Lebanon for the 104 Irish Battalion. It was clear from the many flags, banners, and welcoming signs visible throughout the area of operations that the people of South Lebanon are very happy to have the Irish back on the ground. Morale was extremely high among the Irish troops and they very much appreciate all the support they are receiving from friends and family in Ireland.”
Deputy McFadden went on to explain that the people of South Lebanon in the Irish area are looking forward to the upcoming visit of President Mary McAleese in early October. On her trip, President McAleese will visit the children of the Tibnine orphanage. This orphanage has very close associations with the Irish Battalions since 1978 and the Irish troops and Ireland have contributed considerably to the upkeep, running, and maintenance of the orphanage.
“The troops are drawn from the 4 Western Brigade and the Defence Forces Training Centre in The Curragh and the unit is under the command of Lt Col Frank Bolger. I wish to thank Lt Col Frank Bolger for his kind invitation to attend the medal parade and for the opportunity to visit the troops who do us proud,” she concluded.
