Photos: Irish soldiers return home after six months in Golan Heights

The troops had been deployed as part of the UN’s Disengagement Observer Force.

EMOTIONS WERE RUNNING high this afternoon when 103 Irish troops returned home from six months of deployment in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The 48th Infantry Group patrolled the conflict-torn zone claimed by both Israel and Syria as part of a UN force that has monitored the ceasefire between the two countries since 1974.

And there were plenty of hugs and kisses when returning members of the unit - drawn mainly from Dublin, the north-west and midlands - flew into Casement Aerodrome, the Air Corps’ Baldonnel airfield, earlier today.

Here are a few snapshots of the happy scenes as soldiers were reunited with their loved ones.

07/10/2015. Irish Troops Return Home. Pictured is Greg Walsh with son Ellis (1) and partner Hayley Collins RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

07/10/2015. Irish Troops Return Home. Pictured is Eugene McDaid from Strabane with daughters Lily (2) and Mya (1) RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

07/10/2015. Irish Troops Return Home. Pictured is Declan and Helen Flanagan from Newbridge RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

07/10/2015. Irish Troops Return Home. Pictured is Bryan Nolan from Longford with partner Amy Brennan and kids Charlie (2) and Zack (1) RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

07/10/2015. Irish Troops Return Home. Pictured is John Brown from Kildare with his daughter Roisin (2) and partner Sarah RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

07/10/2015. Irish Troops Return Home. Pictured is Brianna McConnell from Donegal and her partner Ryan Kelly RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

Read: Assad’s army starts ground campaign backed by Russian air strikes

Read: Syrian living in Ireland thinks taking in 4,000 refugees is too little, too late

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More