Troops end peacekeeping mission in Cyprus

Irish troops finished their United Nations peacekeeping duties in Cyprus today after 41-years on the Mediterranean island.

The Irish flag was lowered in a sunset ceremony in the United Nations protected area, Nicosia in Cyprus, to commemorate the 9,540 Irish Defence Force troops who served on the island over the years.

The last serving member of the Irish Contingent, Lt Col Paul Quirke presented the flag to Ireland’s Ambassador to Cyprus, John Swift.

Lt Col Quirke had been serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) since he was first assigned to duties in 1966.

The symbolic ceremony was attended by the Defence Forces Brig Gen Fred Swords, Force Commander Maj Gen Hebert Figoli and other senior UNFICYP officials.

Around 9,540 Irish peacekeepers have served with the UNFICYP from 1964 until the present day, with two working as Force Commanders – Maj Gen J Quinn and Maj Gen M Minehane.

However, Ireland’s relationship with Cyprus will continue with 18 members of An Garda Siochana currently serving as members of the peacekeeping mission’s civilian police section.

The UNFICYP was set up in 1964 in a bid to stop any further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities.

The mission’s responsibilities increased after 1974 and the force has remained on the island to maintain a buffer zone for violence and undertake humanitarian activities.