Offaly soldier prepares for Golan Heights deployment

An Offaly-based soldier has the unenviable task of dismantling the Irish Army's camp in Syria and making sure everything gets home safe and sound.

Captain Andy O'Neill, who has been living in Clonbullogue for the last 16 years, is one of 133 troops from the 68th Infantry Group being deployed to the Golan Heights for a six-month mission, the final group to do so following the government decision to end the commitment in April next year.

“It's very exciting to go out, I'm looking forward to it. To get out there and I suppose get the job started and finished. It's a very important job going out because we're bringing everything home as we're the last contingent to go to the Golan Heights. It's historic,” Capt O'Neill said on Friday in Custume Barracks, Athlone following a ceremony attended by family, friends and colleagues.

Special guest on the day was the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, who reviewed the men and women, 34 of whom are travelling overseas for the first time, and eight come from Offaly.

During his address, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said he was delighted to preside over a significant day, not just for the soldiers, but also for their families who play a vital but often unsung role in Ireland's contribution to peacekeeping missions around the world.

“Any Ministerial review of troops heading overseas is an important occasion in the military year, but this review has a particular and somewhat poignant significance, given that it is the final large scale Irish troop rotation with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), at least for the moment,” he commented.

The decision to withdraw was "not an easy decision" either for the Defence Forces or the government, however, it was made to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity to fulfil their commitment to the European Union Battlegroup 2024/2025, as well as allowing the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments, he added.

As logistics officer, Capt Andy O'Neill has a vital role to play in the day-to-day running of the Irish camp in the Golan Heights.

“Within my role over there I'll be logistics officer and the transport section commander making sure the whole fleet is fully operational at all times. Any vehicles that require periodic testing or servicing is done. Any breakdowns that happen to make sure they are back on the road and operational as quick as possible.”

On the logistics side, the Dublin native's role will also cover the dismantling of the camp and bringing everything home safe and sound when the mission ends next year.

“We have the task of bringing everything home - all the equipment and stores that's been out there for the last ten years, make sure it's manifested, packed and brought home,” he told the Offaly Independent.

“On a day-to-day basis, I'll be looking after the logistics needs of the camp for the Irish troops as well as liaising with all the UN officials over there and UN logistics staff to make sure the camp is run smoothly.”

“I have a very good team behind me, very experienced and a lot of overseas trips between us,” added Capt O'Neill, who is preparing for his 6th trip overseas, with three trips to Lebanon, one to Liberia in Africa and another to Afghanistan in 2015 already under his belt.

While he will miss Christmas so another colleague can go home, Capt O'Neill paid tribute to his fantastic wife Caroline who “will have to pick up the pieces” while he is away alongside his kids Jamie (14) and Sarah (11).