THE DEFENCE Forces of Ireland has shared some of the emotional messages being sent home by those spending Christmas serving overseas.
650 personnel are currently serving in 13 countries spread across the world. More than 460 of these personal are based in South Lebanon with a further 130 based in the Golan Heights.
There are also Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and Reserve officers who are busy on deployment in countries like Bosnia, Kosovo, Mali, The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Western Sahara over the festive season.
But just because these brave men and women can’t be back home in Ireland for Christmas doesn’t mean they can’t spread a little Christmas joy to the friends and family waiting for them on the Emerald Isle.
Happy Christmas from KosovoL to R: CS John Kelleher - Cork, Lt Col Patrick Kelly -Clare, Col David Goulding - Kilkenny, Comdt Claire Spelman - Cork, CS Noel Doherty - Donegal, CS Matthew McNamara. Season's Greetings to all our family and friends back home in Ireland from Kosovo.
With that in mind, the Defence Forces of Ireland has taken to Flickr to share the pictures and messages of those who can’t be back in Ireland but are sending festive wishes for a merry Christmas to those who are.
A variety of images from servicemen young and old feature on the site, highlighting the dedication of those protecting Ireland’s interests overseas during these turbulent times.
Happy Christmas from the Golan HeightsL to R: Sgt Nobby McKenna, Monaghan, CS Ray Moynihan, Kilworth, Cork & Captain Dan Ahern Dublin send Christmas wishes home
"Our personnel can only do the important work of peace because of the support they receive from their families and friends at home when they deploy,” an official statement from the Defence Forces says.
"Of course, this separation is most acutely felt over the Christmas period."
Happy Christmas from MaliLieutenant Cathy Smith wishes her family and friends a very happy Christmas.
A selection of the images and messages of love can be seen here but anyone keen on seeing more from our brave Irish men and women abroad should head to the Flickr site here.
A credit to this country, their well wishes could be the perfect Christmas gift for those waiting at home.
Happy Christmas from the Golan HeightsL to R:Pte Paul Duffy, Dublin, Pte Rian Harding, Leitrim, Pte Karl Walesch, Athlone, Pte Seamus Cockburn Athlone, Cpl Eddie Donlon, Athlone & Pte Thomas O Neill Dublin.
Merry Christmas to the Óglaigh na hÉireann.
