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.

By Catherine Healy Wednesday 7 Oct 2015, 10:09 PM

Oct 7th 2015, 10:09 PM 15,269 Views 30 Comments

http://jrnl.ie/2374176

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 Source: RollingNews.ie

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

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

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

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

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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.

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