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Don't forget about them: Defence Forces abroad send Xmas wishes

Read messages to loved ones from those in some of the smaller overseas missions (where you may not even realise we have troops posted).
2.45pm, 19 Dec 2013
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DID YOU KNOW that there are Irish Defence Forces personnel currently posted in 20 different countries across the world?

Some of those dreaming of home from farflung missions in Mali, Ivory Coast, Bosnia, Afghanistan and beyond have been sending photos and Christmas messages to loved ones here.

The slideshow below is just a small selection – if you’d like to see more, see the messages from those at 42 Infantry Group at UNIFIL in the Lebanon by clicking here. For other smaller missions, click here.

(Tomorrow, we’ll bring you the link to messages from those posted in Golan Heights, Syria.)

Don't forget about them: Defence Forces abroad send Xmas wishes
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  • Mince pies

    Capt Pat O'Connor from Connemara, Co Galway, is part of the UN Truce Supervision Organisation in Jerusalem. "Happy Christmas to my family, friends and girlfriend Jeanine. Unfortunately the mince pies out here don't taste as good as Mammy's."Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • St Nick in Mali

    Lt Col Stephen Ryan and St Nick at the Irish contingent in Mali who are serving with the EU Training Mission there.Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • We'll have Christmas in February

    Cmmdt Kevin McDonald from Loughrea, Co Galway in Bamako, Mali wants to tell his wife Clare, daughter Ellen, son Ben and his parents Paraic and Bernie: "We'll celebrate Christmas in February!" Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Paddy and pal

    Cpl Paddy Hodgins and snow pal with the 42 Infantry Gropu UNIFIL in Lebanon: "Have a happy and safe Christmas, to all my family and friends."Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Especially for Andy

    Lt Deirdre Carbery, also with UNIFIL in Lebanon: "Happy Christmas to all my family and friends, especially my fiancé Andy - Love Deirdre."Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Sgt Blueline Bob

    The 4 Platoon, B Company, 42 Infantry Group UNIFIL put their Santa hats on at the canine command of mascot Sgt Blueline Bob at UN post 6-52 in Lebanon.Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Tanks for the wishes

    The Number 2, Platoon B, Company 42 Infantry on their UNIFIL tanks in Lebanon.Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • White Christmas

    Lt Col Ray Yorke, officer commanding of the 42 Infantry Group: "Happy Christmas to Noelle, Robert, Catherine, Raymond and Marianne. Also a happy Christmas to Gregory in Vancouver, I will be in touch over the Christmas period. Have a great time. Love you all."Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • "One of the worst snowmen in military history"

    Cpt Brian Connolly, Galway, and Lt Donal Mitchell, Wicklow, in Lebanon with what they admit is "one of the worst snowmen in Irish military history".Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Dinner's up

    Pte Wesley Cooney digs in before sending season's greetings to his other half: "Hi hun, Happy Christmas. See you soon."Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Doc's in the house

    Cmmdt Sayed Shah is serving as Senior Medical Officer with 42 Infantry Group in Lebanon and wishes everyone a happy and healthy Christmas.Source: Defence Forces Flickr

  • Special dig for Gaffney

    Lt Cillian McHugh from Meath wants to send this message home to one of his mates: "Gaffney, this is what hard work looks like!"Source: Defence Forces Flickr

Minor injury for Irish troop in Syria as vehicle reverses onto landmine
Defence Forces to begin general service recruiting early next year>
Irish troops home as their replacements settle for Christmas in Lebanon>

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