Former football captain gets senior UN role in Chad

THE new deputy force commander for the UN peace enforcement mission in Chad is a well-known Corkman who captained his county minor football team to All-Ireland glory in 1972.

Brigadier General Gerald Aherne has been appointed deputy force commander of the UN mission in troubled Chad, which has taken over from an EU-backed force.

He will be the senior Irish commander in what is seen as a very important and prestigious appointment, as the 99th Infantry Battalion, nicknamed the “blue hats” continue Ireland’s contribution in the mission.