Minister Heydon encounters Kilcullen in Lebanon

Minister Heydon with Lieut-Col Fiachra Keyes and Force Commander Major General Sánez.

How small the world is was demonstrated to Minister of State Martin Heydon during the week when his host on a visit to Irish UNIFIL peacekeepers in South Lebanon had strong Kilcullen credentials.

Lieutenant Colonel Fiachra Keyes looked after him in camp while visiting troops of 119th infantry battalion for St Patrick's Day. He is the son of Brian Keyes, formerly the principal of Scoil Bhride.

"With 344 serving Irish personal as part of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, our Defence Forces are a central part of the mission," the Minister says. "It was very evident in my meeting with force commander Major General Sáenz the regard with which our troops and Lieutenant Colonel Keyes are held. Now more than ever, the role of Irish peacekeeping troops around the world do us proud, continuing the long tradition of unbroken peace keeping service by Óglaigh na hÉireann on UN missions for over 60 years."

Minister Heydon also attended the Irish memorial in Tibnin and laid a wreath to the 47 fallen Irish soldiers who lost their lives on UN peacekeeping duties over the last 60 years.

On his way to Lebanon, he visited Cyprus where Irish Gardaí participate in the UNPOL peacekeeping mission. He met the Cypriot Minister for Foreign Affairs Ioanais Kasoulides, thanking him for his support for Ireland's position on the Brexit protocol. He also participated in a number of St Patrick’s linked events organised by the Irish Embassy in Nicosia to promote trade in Irish food and drink products as well as meeting the UN committee on missing persons. 

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