‘Sacrifice and resilience’ – Kilkenny soldiers returning from Lebanon will have to quarantine for 14 days
The Defence Forces has paid tribute to the “scarifice and resilience” of the Kilkenny-based 115th Irish Battalion and their families after their rotation home from their tour of duty Lebanon was confirmed today.
Óglaigh na hÉireann said it is planned that the 115th Battalion, which is based at James Stephens Barracks and includes four-time All-Ireland hero Paul Murphy, will return home on June 21 and June 29, later than originally planned.
The Defence Forces said: “We acknowledge that this delay to the original rotation dates is disappointing to our personnel and their families who have been separated from their loved ones for over six months. Their sacrifice and resilience during this time of national crisis has been very commendable.”
In a statement, the Defence Forces said confirmation of the battalion’s rotation follows “extensive engagement by the General Staff to secure an exemption from the UN, and for our troops to rotate home as close to the original dates as possible”.
Upon their arrival, personnel will be required to spend 14 days in self-isolation in accordance with HSE guidelines on Covid-19.
The statement added: “The 116th Battalion will deploy to UNIFIL to take over control of the Irish Area of Responsibility. Before departure, they will have to complete a 14 day quarantine period in Coolmoney Camp and Gormanston Camp. This is in compliance with the UN Secretary General’s Directive, issued on 04th April 2020.”
