Lebanon ceremony marks 40th anniversary of local soldier's death

It was a poignant ceremony for members of the 118th Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces serving in Lebanon on June 22 last when they held a memorial service in Tibnin village, South Lebanon to commemorate the memory of two colleagues who lost their lives in service of peace during the month of June.

This memorial, held monthly in Tibnin, is a constant reminder of the sacrifice paid by the 47 Irish soldiers who gave their lives in the service of peace in Lebanon.

This month it was held to remember Company Quarter Master Sergeant (CQMS) Kieran Stokes (1993) and Private (Pte) Niall Byrne (1981), whose home unit was the 6th Infantry Battalion in Custome Barracks.

But it was particularly touch for Athlone-based CS Eddie Newcombe, who had been deployed in 1981 with Private Byrne in Lebanon when he died and who found himself back in Lebanon 40 years to the day of the incident

During the ceremony late last month, Lt Col Conor Bates, Officer Commanding 118th Infantry Battalion and previousOfficer Commanding 6th Infantry Battalion laid a wreath in memory of CQMS Stokes and Pte Byrne.

The Honour Guard for the ceremony was drawn from members of the 6th Infantry Battalion and the two Company Sergeants, CS Newcombe and CS Anthony Jinks prepared the troops for the service.

Private Niall Byrne (then aged 21) was a native of Assumption Road, Athlone, and was living in Battery Heights, Athlone, at the time.

He was killed in a road accident when serving with the UN force.

TOP: The honour guard, with CS Eddie Newcombe, on left, and CS Anthony Jinks, on right. Photos: Private Aidan Sherlock, 2 Bde CMU Det Custume Barracks, Athlone