133 Irish troops from the 68th Infantry Group were reviewed earlier today.
Soldiers based in a midlands army barracks are due to depart for Syria in the coming weeks.
133 Irish troops from the 68th Infantry Group, based in Custume Barracks in Athlone, were reviewed by the Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin earlier today.
The group, led by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Clear, will be the final large-scale rotation for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.
Soldiers from 28 counties around Ireland are represented among the 130 strong contingent deploying to UNDOF, with more than a quarter set to do their first overseas tour.
Tánaiste and Minsiter for Defence, Micheal Martin, addressed the 68th Infantry Group by saying:
"For 65 years now, Ireland has accepted the obligations that arise from being part of the world community and tens of thousands of Irish women and men have worn the blue helmet with pride on UN peacekeeping operations.
The challenges of peacekeeping demand that people like you - highly-trained, disciplined, and committed peacekeepers -continue to perform to the highest standards, notwithstanding often difficult circumstances. On behalf of the Irish people, may I thank each and every one of you for the part you are playing in continuing the proud tradition of generations of Irish peacekeepers."
He also says:
"Any Ministerial Review of troops heading overseas is an important date in the military calendar, but this review has a particular, and somewhat poignant, significance, given that it is the final large-scale Irish troop rotation for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, at least for the moment."
Westmeath Teen Found Safe
People From Around The World To Show Off Craft Skills In Offaly
Vandalism At Westmeath GAA Club
1,000km Challenge To Support People With Lyme Disease Taking Place In Laois
Hopes For New Solar Bin In Laois Town This Summer
10% Rise In Number Of Asylum Seekers In The Midlands
Midlands Homelessness Figures See Marginal Increase
A Walk And A Treat In Aid Of Animal Charity In Laois This Weekend
Cameras Offer Protection To Taxi Drivers And Passengers - Westmeath Taxi Driver
Massive Fundraising Push For Westmeath Cyclist Injured In Accident
Westmeath School Approved For Multi-Million Euro Development
Kilsaran Cleared To Buy Offaly Sand And Gravel Pit
Influx Of New High-Powered EV Chargers Coming To The Midlands
Potential Public Health Risk From Unmonitored Private Water Supplies - EPA
Laois Celebrity Chef To Set Up Organic Farm School
World Record Attempt To Be Made At Electric Picnic
Midlands One Of Four Regions To See Rise In House Completions
Westmeath Bar Re-Opens Today Following Fire
Drop In Staffing At Garda National Immigration Bureau While Asylum Seeker Numbers Remain High