Lt Killian Ahern from Mallow, Co. Cork gives a rundown to The Avondhu of his duties while based in Southern Lebanon as Mortar Platoon Commander in Reconnaissance Company, sending wishes home to family and friends during the festive period.
‘I’ve been deployed here to Southern Lebanon since November of this year as Mortar Platoon Commander in Reconnaissance Company. My role out here is to lead a specialised platoon of troops to conduct patrols and routine tasks in the Area of Operations to fulfil UNIFIL’s mandate to observe, protect, monitor and report.
In the weeks that we have been out in Lebanon so far, the trip has been enjoyable and interesting. Being able to see South Lebanon and the differences between Ireland and Lebanon has been a great experience.
I am a native French speaker due to my mother being French, so it’s a big bonus over here as I can converse with the locals in French as Lebanon was a French colony.
Over Christmas I will be leading patrols in our area of responsibility and will be enjoying the festive period with my comrades in the Officers mess.
While it is tough being away from our families and friends during the holidays, it is worthwhile knowing we are playing a vital role here in South Lebanon, making a difference to the local population.
The Battalion has planned a festive day for personnel on Christmas Day, trying to make it feel like home somewhat. Festivities on Christmas Day include Christmas morning run, Mass and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
I would like to wish my Dad, Mom, my sister Vanessa and most of all, my girlfriend Shauna, a merry Christmas. Please have a wonderful time over the holidays and stay safe and I will see all of you in January on my annual leave.
Lastly, I’d like to send Christmas wishes to all Defence Forces members at home and abroad and to all my friends and family in Ireland.'
