‘I just can’t wait to get going’

The sense of anticipation and pride was palpable once the formal Ministerial review and parade had concluded recently in Custume Barracks, when families, friends and soldiers had the chance to mingle and chat in the informal setting of the catering building.

Smiles were all around as extended family members gathered together to wish each soldier good luck, and capture the all important photo prior to the departure of the 133-strong 68th Infantry group to the Golan Heights in Syria in early October.

One of those posing for a picture was proud Athlone grandfather Liam Gaffey, whose grandson Pte Ryan Gaffey (26) is carrying on a family tradition that started with Ryan's great-great dad Peter who served in the Congo and Cyprus and later worked for the UN. Liam's father, also Peter, served on six overseas missions and Liam himself followed him as one of the first group to travel to Lebanon in 1978.

“I'm looking forward to it, all the training is done. I just can't wait to get going,” said Ryan, an accomplished soccer player with Willow Park, who is embarking on his first trip overseas.

He's hoping to keep up his training over in Syria, and maybe get a few five-a-sides going on an astroturf nearby. “I'll be back towards the end of the season so hopefully they'll (Willow Park) be in the promotion hunt at that stage and I can help.”

Now 13 years in the Army, Pte Michael Grehan from Baylough, Athlone candidly admitted the big thing he will miss is the food, and while the chefs do the best they can, he says you can't beat the bacon and cabbage at home! He'll also miss his sister Ciara, his girlfriend and family.

Looking forward to his 4th overseas mission, his first to Syria, Pte Grehan is acutely aware of the historic nature of the trip.

“I'm looking forward to going now, because we are shutting down the camp over there and we're taking everything away with us. There will be possibilities for lads to crew the vehicles home on a ferry from the port in Lebanon. I'm looking forward to going, it's a new adventure.”

He is travelling as a Mowag driver and one of his main duties will be carrying the troops going on patrol, the same task as Pte Eric Purtill (34), who said there will be a bit of work maintaining the armoured cars. He joked that on his first trips he was a rifleman at the back of the car and now he's moved up front as the years progress.

Eric paid tribute to his wife Louise, who he believes has the harder job taking care of the household and kids, and keeping the show on the road when's he is away.

He said he intends to keep training in his free time and jokingly said he'd never rule out a return to Gentex FC!

Holding his little daughter Evie (2) close, Sgt William Fitzmaurice from Bealnamulla said the hardest thing for him this time will be leaving his wife Claire and young kids behind, he also has a young son Noah (5). He conceded that a big part of his reason for travelling on his 8th trip is financial, and it will probably be his last with 24 years done in the Defence Forces.

While worrying about not being there when the kids are upset and missing him, he admitted communications have improved hugely since his first trip which relied on phone cards with a five second delay.

“I'm home for Christmas which is a great bonus,” William, who is in charge of a platoon with several first timers, said smiling following the ceremonial event. He advised those on their first trip “put your best foot forward” and while they have a job to do, if there is an issue at home, his experience of the Defence Forces is that they will “move heaven and earth” to get it sorted.