UN veteran takes command of Southern Brigade

A senior army officer who coordinated security for UN agencies in war-torn Syria has assumed command of the Defence Force’s 1st Southern Brigade.

Brig Gen Derry Fitzgerald, 58, from Co Galway, took the salute from soldiers at Collins Barracks in Cork yesterday morning, before performing his first official function — overseeing the passing out ceremony for the 35 members of the 125th recruit battalion.

Brig Gen Fitzgerald joined the Defence Forces as a cadet in Apr 1972.