Tánaiste Simon Harris Thanks Wicklow Peacekeepers in Lebanon

He paid a heartfelt tribute to members of the Defence Forces currently serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including several personnel from County Wicklow, during his visit to Camp Shamrock in South Lebanon.

This visit marked his first overseas trip to meet Irish troops serving on peacekeeping missions.

Speaking from Camp Shamrock, Tánaiste Simon Harris said:

“I was especially proud to meet peacekeepers from my home county and to thank them personally for the incredible work they are doing here in Lebanon.

“Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to Ireland’s long-standing tradition of peacekeeping is deeply inspiring.”

Among the 125th Infantry Battalion currently deployed, nine Defence Forces personnel from Wicklow are serving with distinction:

1. Patrick Joseph Heffernan – Acting Company Sergeant
2. Adam Matthew Benson Byrne – Captain
3. Iain Boland – Private
4. Lachlan Fleming Gillespie – Private
5. Gary O'Neill – Captain
6. Brian Loughrey – Sergeant
7. Macaulie Fox – Private
8. Troy Scully – Private
9. Matthew Byrne – Colonel

The Tánaiste acknowledged the difficult conditions the battalion has faced since deploying in November, operating in a region deeply affected by recent conflict and instability.

“These peacekeepers, many of whom are from Wicklow, are here not just representing our country, but embodying the values we hold dear: peace, justice, and humanitarian service,”

“The actions of the brave women and men of the Defence Forces turn Ireland’s commitment to international peace into something real and tangible.”

Tánaiste Harris praised the battalion’s contribution to supporting local communities through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects, and announced the doubling of the Defence Forces’ allocation to these initiatives in 2025.

“This funding will allow our personnel to further support vital projects on the ground, strengthening the bonds between the Irish Defence Forces and the local communities they serve,”.

The Tánaiste also met with senior Lebanese officials, reaffirming Ireland’s strong support for UNIFIL and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

He reiterated Ireland’s determination to ensure full accountability for the death of Private Seán Rooney and the safety and security of all Irish peacekeepers.

“To all the families in Wicklow and across the country who are missing loved ones today I want to sincerely thank you.

“It is thanks to your your strength and resilience that the important work of peacekeeping is being carried out.

“Ireland is proud of our peacekeepers, and I am proud to stand with them.”

Tánaiste Harris was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, and Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum.