On Friday, 31st October 2025, the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, carried out the ministerial review of 127 Infantry Battalion which will shortly deploy as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The review was held in Custume Barracks, Athlone.
Our President, Major-General Maureen O’Brien DSM (Retd.), represented ARCO at the review and wished Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Lennon, its Officer Commanding, and all his personnel a safe deployment on behalf of our Association.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence said:
‘As we now look ahead to the planned conclusion of the UNIFIL mission at the end of 2026, your deployment takes on an even greater significance. You will help bring this long and distinguished chapter of Irish peacekeeping towards a close.
These contributions, on behalf of the Irish people, reflect who we are as a nation, a nation that believes in compassion, in justice, and in standing with those whose lives have been upended by conflict.
These values, and the principles of the UN Charter, will remain at the heart of legislation to reform overseas deployments and reinforce Ireland’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy.
You carry with you the respect of your families, your friends, and your country, as well as the gratitude of your government, and the pride of a people who believe in the work you do.’
This will be Mark’s eighth overseas tour of duty having previously served in UNIFIL in 2011, 2020, and 2021. He served with UNIMIL in Liberia in 2004, with FHQ MONUC in the DRC in 2007/2008, with ISAF HQ in Afghanistan in 2014 and with FHQ EUBG in Strasbourg in 2015/2016.
There are currently 353 Defence Forces personnel serving in the three UN missions in the region: UNIFIL (338); UNDOF (3); and UNTSO (12).
