Athlone's top soldier is looking forward to Christmas
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lennon, a native of Ballymahon, is Officer Commanding of the 6th Infantry Battalion and Officer Commanding in Custume Barracks.
Having previously served in Custume Barracks from 2012 to 2014, he took over the top job in Athlone in recent months from Lt Col Oliver Clear, who is commanding the 68th Infantry in Golan Heights for a six-month tour as part of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
Lt Col Lennon lives in Rathcontrath, near Mullingar.
What is the build-up to Christmas like for you?
In a word, BUSY! As a parent to two young children and being the Officer Commanding 6 Inf Bn & Custume Barracks it certainly can be a manic time as we come to the year’s end, but I always try to enjoy the atmosphere and the build-up, including attendance and support for our own Christmas functions here in the Barracks.
How and where will you spend Christmas this year?
As a Defence Forces member, I’ll be very lucky to be able to spend it at home this year with my family and extended family, many of whom are returning to Ireland for Christmas. I will also attend the Christmas Eve mass in Custume Barracks and visit the troops on duty in the Barracks on Christmas Day.
What does the Christmas season mean to you?
Sharing good times with family and friends and enjoying some peace, relaxation and reflection time.
Who is your Christmas hero?
Probably Kevin McAllister from Home Alone!
What are thankful for this year?
Given the conflict situation in Gaza and Ukraine, I’m thankful that we can enjoy a peaceful Christmas here in Ireland, knowing that members of our Defence Forces are working both at home and overseas at this time to assist with this.
What's your favourite Christmas memory from times past?
Early Christmas mornings after Santa’s visits!!
What's your best loved Christmas tradition?
Early Christmas mornings after Santa’s visits!!
Favourite Christmas song or movie?
Either ‘Elf’ or the aforementioned ‘Home Alone’!
How will you ring in the New Year?
Not very exciting to be honest, quiet and relaxed with my wife and family and hopefully having the kids in bed early!
What's your big hope for 2024?
From a professional point of view the hope is that we continue to develop and reinforce our Defence Forces and aim to recruit more of our Midlanders to this great organisation which has a really diverse range of opportunities available to all personnel.
From a personal viewpoint the hope would be, like many others I’m sure, for a cessation of conflict in Europe and the Middle East and for continued health and happiness for my own family and friends.
Compiled by Deirdre Verney.