Today, 213 members of IRISHPOLBATT—113 Irish & 100 Polish—were awarded the UNIFIL medal today, recognising their dedication to peacekeeping. On this special #StPatricksDay, we honour their service & celebrate our proud heritage. Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh ☘️

Please help me honour Pte Billy Kedian who gave his all while serving as a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon in 1999. Glad that today he is getting the recognition he so richly deserves, by being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his selfless actions under fire…

The Defence Forces can confirm that all Irish personnel deployed to Lebanon are well and accounted for. All necessary force protection measures continue be to observed. We echo UNIFIL's condemnation of these attacks and remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety & security of peacekeepers. We wish the Deputy Force Commander injured in the attack today, a swift recovery. We continue to work alongside our fellow peacekeepers to work to restore security and stability in south Lebanon in accordance with our mandate under Security Council resolution 1701.

Ah the @defenceforces never not helping out Irish citizens 🇮🇪 #BeMore

We are pleased to announce the successful rotation of the first challk of our troops currently serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This rotation marks another important milestone in Ireland's longstanding commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. The first group, Chalk 1 of the 124th Infantry Battalion, has completed its tour of duty and returned home safely. We are delighted to welcome back 96 of our personnel, who have now been reunited with their families and loved ones. We commend them on their dedication to the cause of peace in such a volatile region. Meanwhile, Chalk 1 of the 125th Infantry Battalion has deployed and following a successful convoy operation they have taken up their positions at UNP 2-45 in Lebanon. This group of 187 personnel arrived safely and is prepared to undertake their mission with resilience and professionalism, even as they face an increasingly challenging security environment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both the returning and deploying personnel for their service. Our thoughts are with those who are currently deployed, and we look forward to welcoming them home safely when the time comes. Thank you to all the families and friends who continue to support our personnel during their time abroad. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, stated:"I welcome home our returning personnel and commend those who have just deployed. We're delighted that both groups have safely completed their journeys despite the complex environment. However, our mission isn't over. Our personnel will continue to display the highest levels of dedication and commitment during the handover process, and as we prepare for the rotation of Chalk 2. Their vigilance and professionalism are of vital importance to the region." Go raibh maith agaibh go léir, agus ádh mór 🇮🇪🇺🇳🇱🇧

€100 ONE4ALL TO BE WON: But hurray - take our 5-minute members survey re. our Members Draws before midnight tonight to be entered. surveymonkey.com/r/drawsurve… @defenceforces @IrishAirCorps @pdforra @WPDF_2017 #ansacmembersdraws

.@UNIFIL_ Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Lázaro: “Yesterday, I visited peacekeepers in two Irish positions, which have seen intense fighting nearby. I am deeply proud of their high morale and commitment to @UNIFIL_’s mandate.” @defenceforces @IrishMissionUN

.@irishpolbatt personnel clearing the route to resupply their comrades on the Blue Line. 🇮🇪 🇺🇳 🇱🇧 @defenceforces @IRLDeptDefence @IrishMissionUN

RT @defenceforces: The Defence Forces can confirm that all our personnel deployed with UNIFIL are well and accounted for, and no Irish pers…

Take our 5-minute survey about our Members Draws & be in with a chance to win a €100 One4All voucher. Good luck! @defenceforces @WPDF_2017 @IrishAirCorps @naval_service @pdforra

Statement by Tánaiste and minister for Defence, and Foreign Affairs @MichealMartinTD on IDF firing on @UNIFIL_ posts.

Excellent piece by @colinivan in the @irishexaminer that captures the essence of what it means to be a peacekeeper.

LISTEN BACK: Worrying Time For UNIFIL Families @pjcoogan talks to Shelly Cotter @WPDF_2017 about having family serving with UNIFIL with the Israeli ground operation raging around them. shows.acast.com/corks-96-fm-…

RT @defenceforces: Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members The Defence Force…

RT @defenceforces: Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members The Defence Force…

Disappointing to see Sunday Times describe @UNIFIL_ as “an employment creation scheme for otherwise underused Irish soldiers”. Tell that to the families of the 47 Irish soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in Lebanon since 1978. Absolutely shameful from @ST__Ireland.

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members The Defence Forces reconfirms that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for. This is a challenging time and we recognise that this is an exceptional generation of soldiers. Their resilience and unwavering commitment to peace in a volatile region is commendable, and it is something that their families and our nation can be immensely proud of. Despite the heightened tensions and recent kinetic activity in the area, our troops continue to perform their duties with professionalism and courage. They are the eyes and ears of the international community, working diligently to create the space for diplomacy and the delivery of humanitarian aid, whilst ensuring their own safety. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of our personnel for their support and understanding during this critical mission. Your strength enables our soldiers to carry out their roles effectively. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments, and thank you for your continued support.