Home are the UN heroes

THE remaining 83 troops with the last Irish unit on peacekeeping duty in Liberia returned home last night.

Ireland’s involvement with the next UN mission is expected to be decided in the next six months. It is expected that troops will be stationed in another African nation. Possible countries being suggested include Sudan or Eritrea.

Touching down at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Dublin, last night, the last troops from the three-and-a-half-year mission were met by their family and friends.

The Irish troops had handed over their Quick Reaction Force role to Pakistani troops on May 9.

During their time in the west African nation, Irish troops were involved in 3,000 individual tours of duty. Up to seven battalions served overseas on the mission, including 40 Special Forces troops.

Over the coming weeks, tanks, armoured personnel carriers and equipment will be transported by sea back to Irish soil.

The Defence Forces first deployed to Liberia in late 2003 to what was a very volatile country. The Army Ranger Wing provided 40 soldiers at the outset, providing protection for the UN mission. Acting in classic Special Forces mode the unit performed a hostage rescue of 35 men and women in January 2004. One soldier, Sergeant Derek Mooney, gave his life in the service of peace on November 27, 2003, following a traffic accident.

Partnering with Sweden, Irish troops combined to provide a robust military presence on land, sea and in the air in long-range patrols over potential trouble spots in Liberia.

Of particular note was the Defence Forces protection of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

In March last year, troops provided security for the extradition of indicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor.

During their service, then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan praised their work saying they had provided “niche capabilities that really hold a peacekeeping operation together”. Their actions and services as well as the support of their families were recognised by Defence Minister Willie O’Dea last night.

“Ireland can now actively engage with the UN about a replacement mission,” said the minister’s spokesperson.