Seven Offaly soldiers set for Lebanon this month

Seven soldiers from Offaly are among the 189-strong 42 Infantry Group that are scheduled for Lebanon by the end of this month as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The group is commanded by Lt Col Ray Yorke from Edgeworthstown in Longford, who will replace Lt Col Tony McKenna of 108 Infantry Battalion in Lebanon as part of the new combined Finnish Irish Battalion.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent an Army press officer said the Irish Defence Forces have extensive experience of the culture, geography and people of South Lebanon and that the 42 Infantry Group is looking forward to adding to the work of 108 Infantry Battalion to make a valuable contribution to peace and security in the region.