Irish troops return from Syria mission; Kevin pops question

Picture: @rtenews via twitter

The contingent of Irish troops who came under attack during their United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights have returned home.

The 130 Defence Forces personnel were met by their families and friends on their arrival at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin last night.

Their arrival home following their six-month UN peacekeeping mission along the Syrian-Israeli border was extra special for Lena Murphy from Co Carlow, who was proposed to by her boyfriend Private Kevin Phelan from Waterford.

"Kev just came off the plane back from Syria and asked me to marry him. I said yes," said a delighted Lena.

Kevin Phelan of Waterford pops the question to Lena Murphy of Carlow on return from Golan Heights pic.twitter.com/aHubPeFJh9

— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrien_) October 8, 2014

The returned troops say their mission was challenging but successful:

"When we were over there, it was very similar to what we trained for," said one, "so it wasn't like we were caught off guard."

"It's great to be home. I can't wait to spend some time with my family and friends. I've been a long time away from them, so it's well due now," said another.

Irish soldiers deployed to the Golan Heights last March have returned home overnight. #Q102News #Dublin pic.twitter.com/ihqx4QWpPh

— Dublin's Q102 (@Q102FeelGood) October 8, 2014

The deployment of their replacements, who flew out yesterday morning, was delayed for two weeks over safety concerns.