Peacekeeping soldiers from Westmeath, Longford and Offaly pictured at Camp Shamrock in Lebanon last December. The troops pictured, who are stationed in Athlone's Custume Barracks, were part of the 127th Infantry Battalion, the last members of which are returning home tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Local troops returning home tomorrow after six-month Lebanon mission

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The battalion of Irish peacekeeping soldiers which has been based in Lebanon for the last six months will officially conclude its mission this week with the final personnel due to arrive home in Dublin airport tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

The 127th Infantry battalion included around 360 soldiers, many of whom were attached to Athlone's Custume Barracks, with the battalion being led by Ballymahon native Lt Col Mark Lennon.

The soldiers' deployment to Southern Lebanon began last November and came at an especially difficult time due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Six peaceekers, four from Indonesia and two from France, were killed in the region in March and April of this year.

The Irish Defence Forces said of the returning troops: "Their deployment to South Lebanon was characterised by a highly kinetic operational area in which the 127th Infantry Battalion personnel carried out their duties professionally, despite the volatility of the region."

Prior to their departure, the members of the 127th Infantry Battalion were inspected by then-Minister for Defence Simon Harris during a ceremony in Athlone at the end of October.

They are being succeeded by the 128th Infantry Battalion, the lead unit for which will be the Limerick-based 12th Infantry Battalion.

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