Gallery: Donegal soldiers ready for Syria deployment

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Twenty-eight soldiers from Donegal are among an Irish Defence Forces group that will be deployed to Syria next month.

The 67 Infantry Group will rotate into the mission area in April 2023 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Morgan, who has most recently served as Officer Commanding the 28th Infantry Battalion.

Lt Col Morgan, who lives in Carrick-on-Shannon, has extensive prior overseas experience in the Middle East, Africa and East Timor, serving in command and staff appointments at battalion level and at UN Force Headquarters level in Lebanon, East Timor, Liberia, Chad, Western Sahara and Mali.

Lt Col Morgan said: “The soldiers are highly motivated and highly skilled, well equipped and well trained in order to meet the challenges they will face.”

Among the 28 soldiers being deployed from the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner Camp is Private Ronan Ellis. The 22-year-old from Strabane is the youngest of group.

Glenswilly brothers Ryan and Paddy Diver are also included.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin was at Finner Camp on Monday for his first ministerial review of Irish troops for overseas deployment.

The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy was also present for Monday’s ceremony.

Mr Martin paid tribute to the ‘dedication, courage and resilience’ of the family members, many of whom were in attendance for Monday’s parade, of the soldiers.

The 67th Infantry Group includes six women and the Defence Minister reaffirmed a commitment to greater recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces.

Ireland has been engaged in peacekeeping operations since 1958 and 550 Irish troops are currently deployed on UN, EU and NATO-led missions in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Mr Martin said: “Overseas operations will continue to be a priority for the Government and the Defence Forces. We are conscious of the importance of this tradition as an essential component of our foreign policy.”

The group, to be based at Camp Faouar, contains 130 personnel of all ranks, consisting of 14 officers, 115 enlisted personnel and one chaplain. A total of 38 will be on their first tour of duty overseas.

Mr Martin said the Irish soldiers 'personify the nations commitment to the noble work' of peacekeeping.

He said: “For almost 65 years, peacekeeping operations have enjoyed a special place in the hearts of Irish people. I want to, on behalf of the Irish people, thank each and every one of you for continuing in the proud generations of Irish peacekeepers.”