Conor Bates

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

On Thursday, 15 MAY 26, the first chalk of the 127th Infantry Battalion arrived home following a challenging and demanding deployment with UNIFIL in South Lebanon.

Throughout their deployment, personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion operated in a complex and volatile environment, displaying professionalism, resilience and courage while representing Ireland and Óglaigh na hÉireann with distinction.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState

[6 Infantry Battalion @6_Inf_Bn]

Families of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas are warmly invited to a special day in Dublin Zoo on Saturday, 7th March 2026.

Registration is now open at https://t.co/UeXIfJWITR

We look forward to welcoming you for a well-deserved family day of support and community. 🇮🇪

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

The Defence Forces can confirm that a patrol conducted by the 127th Infantry Battalion in UNIFIL came under small arms fire. Defence Forces personnel initiated immediate action drills and their actions and force protection measures as well as the armoured capabilities of the vehicles they were conducting the patrol in ensured the safety of all troops, who returned to UNP 2-45 following the patrol. All our personnel are well and accounted for, proving 127 Infantry Battalion's readiness through their tactics, techniques and procedures, their pre-deployment training and their equipment. We will continue to enact the UNIFIL mandate by monitoring and reporting on the situation in Southern Lebanon and condemn any attacks on peacekeepers.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

No more video calls home. Today, the 126 Infantry Battalion arrived home to @DublinAirport and were met by family and friends after a 6 month deployment in UNIFIL.

Welcome home to all!

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces

[Irish Defence Forces Recruitment Officer @df_recruitment]

2025 CADETSHIP COMPETITION The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for 2025 Cadetship. Online applications and T&C available at https://t.co/DxsQWOGE9E #irishdefenceforces #irisharmy #irishaircorps #irishnavalservice #careers https://t.co/m6PV6Mo0sY

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

IRCON EUGB - MILEX 24 Germany

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members.

Following the most recent reports coming from Lebanon, the Defence Forces can confirm all Irish personnel are safe and accounted for. All necessary force protection measures continue to be observed. We extend our thoughts to our UN colleagues in these areas as they continue to operate in this challenging environment.

All necessary force protection measures are being strictly observed by all Irish personnel, and we can confirm that Irish positions have not faced incoming fire. Our soldiers continue to operate effectively in austere field conditions, thanks to their robust training received at home and the strength of character that they continue to demonstrate. The safety of our personnel remains the top priority as the situation evolves

[Conor Bates @ConorBates6]

@shamrocksgaa @Offaly_GAA Great performance by the team

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

In advance of their deployment to South Lebanon next month, the 125 Infantry Battalion have successfully conducted their Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) in the Glen of Imaal. These two weeks are the culmination of 3 months of intensive preparation ahead of their deployment and they have practiced and honed a broad range of skills for their role including armoured force protection, patrolling and mobility, surveillance, communications, medical and operational expertise.

The troops of the 125 Inf Bn are being put through their paces in a variety of realistic exercises. The Mission Readiness Exercise puts commanders and soldiers through a demanding series of scenarios based on the current situation in Lebanon and potential threats that may be encountered in the volatile mission area. In the last number of days the troops have faced a series of scenarios involving simulated explosive strikes, air mobile helicopter drills, anti ambush tactics, detailed operational planning and medical evacuation exercises.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Defence Forces Update 20 Oct 2024

The Defence Forces can confirm that all Irish Peacekeepers are accounted for and well.

Today as part of Operation Fág an Bealach, UNP 6-52 and UNP 6-50 were successfully resupplied, thanks to the successful route clearance operation from UNP 2-45 to both locations. This multi-phase operation was meticulously planned with the force protection of the soldiers being a priority. A broad spectrum of skills and capabilities within the 124th Inf Bn were utilised to ensure safety and mission success.

The Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, also took this opportunity to visit the Blue Line positions.

The sustainment of the Blue Line Posts will allow for the continued occupation and operation from these positions.

Irish peacekeepers continue to monitor and report any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved, maintaining an independent and impartial stance.

Please see the UNIFIL statement issued today for an update on the recent activities in the UNIFIL AO.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members

The Defence Forces can confirm that all Irish Peacekeepers are accounted for and well. The situation around Irish positions remains relatively calm. This environment has allowed the successful resupply of food and water to UNP 2-45. Clashes between both parties to the conflict persist in both the Irish and wider UNIFIL Area of Operations. Irish peacekeepers continue to monitor and report any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved, maintaining an independent and impartial stance.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

The Defence Forces can confirm that all Irish personnel are well and accounted for. The 124 Infantry Battalion area of operations is reported to be relatively calm today, with no operational activity noted from Camp Shamrock (UNP 2-45) and its two outposts UNP 6-50 and UNP 6-52.

Today, two resupply convoys successfully delivered over 100,000 liters of raw water to UNP 2-45. Additionally, through a third-party contract funded by Defence Forces, 2200 cases of bottled water (totalling 26,400 litres) were delivered to UNP 2-45 today. This delivery complements a fresh food supply received on 09 October, which added nearly seven days' worth of provisions to the Battalion's stores.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members

There have been recent reports regarding the proximity of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to Irish positions. Currently, the Defence Forces can confirm the UN reports that there are no IDF personnel or vehicles observed in vicinity of UNP 6-52.

The Defence Forces reconfirms that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for. They are well equipped with sufficient provisions to ensure long term sustainability during their mission. This includes adequate supplies of rations and water, which are essential to meet the operational needs of the troops throughout their deployment. A bulk delivery of locally purchased food was received by troops in UNP 2-45 today. Troops in UNP 6-52 remain stocked and have yet to open their ration pack stores.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of our personnel for their support and understanding during this critical mission. Your strength enables our soldiers to carry out their roles effectively. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments, and thank you for your continued support.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members

The Defence Forces can reconfirm that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for, and remain vigilant in their mission areas. The conditions are tough at the moment for all the UN troops, with limited movement from Groundhog positions. However, the Irish troops remain steadfast in their determination and resilience to fulfill the mission.

Thank you to all of the families of our soldiers currently deployed in Lebanon, our serving members, veterans and advocates for your unwaivering support, strength, patience and prayers for our personnel in the Middle East at this difficult time.

Support is available to you through your local Unit Liaison Officers that can be contacted through your local barracks, from information on our websites https://t.co/wxVVAxmK0p, https://t.co/O3jjMdfBH6, with additional supports through the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service which can be contacted at [email protected]. Furthermore, our partners INSPIRE have a 24hr available to anyone seeking support.

INSPIRE is a 24-hour external confidential counselling service providing a referral and support service on a wide range of personal and work-related issues. The service is available to serving personnel of the Defence Forces and to their partners or spouses, and to their adult children living at home. To access INSPIRE, please call 1800 409-673. Personnel serving overseas can access the service using 00-353-1-685-6816.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members

The Defence Forces reconfirms that all personnel in Lebanon are well and accounted for. This is a challenging time and we recognise that this is an exceptional generation of soldiers. Their resilience and unwavering commitment to peace in a volatile region is commendable, and it is something that their families and our nation can be immensely proud of.

Despite the heightened tensions and recent kinetic activity in the area, our troops continue to perform their duties with professionalism and courage. They are the eyes and ears of the international community, working diligently to create the space for diplomacy and the delivery of humanitarian aid, whilst ensuring their own safety.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of our personnel for their support and understanding during this critical mission. Your strength enables our soldiers to carry out their roles effectively. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments, and thank you for your continued support.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

The Defence Forces would like to acknowledge and thank the families of our soldiers currently deployed in Lebanon. Today the Chief of Staff reiterated that a deployment overseas is not just the soldier getting on the plane but those we leave at home too. Your strength, patience and support of our troops at this difficult time is much appreciated. Support is available to you through your local Unit Liaison Officers that can be contacted through your local barracks, from information on our websites https://t.co/wxVVAxnhPX, https://t.co/O3jjMdg9wE, with additional supports through the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service which can be contacted at [email protected]. Furthermore, our partners INSPIRE have a 24hr available to anyone seeking support.

INSPIRE is a 24-hour external confidential counselling service providing a referral and support service on a wide range of personal and work-related issues. The service is available to serving personnel of the Defence Forces and to their partners or spouses, and to their adult children living at home. To access INSPIRE, please call 1800 409-673. Personnel serving overseas can access the service using 00-353-1-685-6816.

The Defence Forces can reconfirm that all Defence Forces’ personnel are currently safe and accounted for, and they continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate. There is no doubt that our troops are operating in a very challenging environment, but there are robust force protection measures in place to support the safety and security of all personnel, and these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced to address any emerging threats. Our people are highly trained, well equipped, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively handle the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.

[shamrocksgaaclub @shamrocksgaa]

The dramatic shoot-out

[shamrocksgaaclub @shamrocksgaa]

YES! We go through to the Senior Football Championship semi-final

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Update Following Recent Events in Lebanon

First and foremost we can confirm that all Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon are accounted for and safe. In light of worrying developments across the Blue Line since the early morning, Irish Defence Forces and @UNIFIL_ continue to monitor the situation closely. 

Despite the extremely tense and volatile situation along the Blue Line and throughout the @irishpolbatt Area of Operations, our personnel remain committed to their mission and will continue working tirelessly to support the stability of the region.

Future updates will be issued from this account and on our other social media platforms as necessary. On behalf of all of Óglaigh na hÉireann we thank all families and friends for their continued support 🇮🇪🇱🇧🇺🇳

[RoyK @roy_kinsella]

Reliable & informing commentary on
recent events in 🇱🇧 from @BerryCathal and Professor Ray Murphy, Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway

Well worth the listen

https://t.co/Kc2Xo7PKV2