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Youghal Men on peace keeping mission in Chad-Central Africa
Posted on Monday, January 5th, 2009By Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)
Standing l-r: Cpl. C. Colman, Cpl. D. Lane(Killeagh), Cpl. T. Curran, Petty Officer M.O' Keeffe (navy chef) and Gnr. G. Gillman / Kneeling l-r: Sgt. T. Hennessy, Pte M. Butler, Cpl. S. Twohig, Pte B. Donoghue and Cpl. L. Dwyer (Cork City)
Pictured are the Youghal Men from the 98 Infantry Battalion deployed on the European Union Force Mission ( EUFOR-TCHAD/RCA) to Chad-Central Africa under command of Lt. Colonel Kieran Brennen (brother of GAA President Nicky Brennan). Their mission began last September to contribute to the protection of civilians in danger, particularly refugees and displaced persons. They help to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the free movement of humanitarian personnel by helping to improve security in the area.
Youghal man PO Micilin O’Keeffe (Navy) told www.youghalonline.com “It gets very hot around midday and cool in the evening but we’re very lucky because from June to September it is the rainy season and it’s terrible”. He said “People are very friendly but have very little and live in straw huts and the refugee camps when they cross the border fleeing the conflict”. “Its mostly Kilkenny led battalion with other units from Collins Barracks, Cork, Clonmel, Curragh Camp and four personnel from the Navy”. Kilkenny Sgt. Whelan and Petty Officer Chef Micilin O’Keeffe supervise the daily running of the catering in camp Ciara which is located at Goz Beida, Chad. It is a 4-month deployment mission, which finishes around February
Camp Ciara
The European Union Force Mission (EUFOR-TCHAD/RCA) comes as a response to the dire situation of an estimated 230,000 refugees from Darfur who continue to flee into bordering eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic (CAR). Armed Sudanese rebel groups have continuously carried out attacks across the Sudanese border, endangering local residents and Darfurian refugees alike.
The 99th Infantry Battalion will deploy to Chad in late January/early February 2009, to Goz Beida in southeastern Chad for four months. They will be presented with their unit colours by the Minister for Defence in McKee Barracks on 14 January 2009.
If you would like to wish the Youghal men or any of the 98 Infantry Battlion a Happy New Year please feel free to use the comment box below
YoughalOnline.com would like to thank the Irish Defence Force for permission granted for photos and information
Stephen Smith, I just want you to know how proud I am off you and that I miss you and love you so very much!!
Love, Joanne Kelleher
Hi Son,
Happy New Year to you and all your friends in Chad. Can’t wait to get you home to feed you and get some meat back on your bones!! I even miss your messing!!(never thought I’d be saying that). I’m very proud of you.
Love Mum xxx
We would like to wish Mick O Keeffe a happy new year can’t wait till your home safe love you loads from Siobhan Clodagh Caitriona and Hannah xxxxxxxxxxxx
Graham Happy new year, Hope your looking after yourself. miss ya lover kiss kiss kiss. Your brother in law Niall.
We would like to wish Stephen Twohig a happy new year and an early birthday wish. Can’t wait till your home so we can have a party, Love Mam,Alison,Kim and Gillian.
Hi Graham , Happy new year to ya.We all missing you and can’t wait til you get home to your new Niece/Nephew. Love you , your Big sis.
Hi Stephen, just wanted to wish you Happy New Year and Happy Birthday. See you soon. Lots love from the Coleman’s and the Dennehy’s.
Hi Stephen, just wanted to wish you happy birthday and happy new year. see you soon. lots love from all the Coleman’s and Dennehy’s
just want to wish my fiancee stephen a happy new year and a Happy Birthday for friday the 9th of January!! looking forward to seeing you soon miss you lots. love you Christine xxxxx
we would like to wish our daddy thomas hennessy a happy new year,we miss him lots and lots love leah and caitlin xxxxxx
i would like to wish my boyfriend thomas hennessy a happy new year and to let him know i am really looking forward to him comming home,it isnt the same without him,love orlaxxx
just to wish my big bro brian donoghue a happy new year cant wait 4 u 2 cum home love u always your little sis ruth and jason<your nephew jayden
i wounld like to wish brian o donghue a happy new year and we all cant wait for him to come home,we love and miss you loads not long left now love your beautiful daughter caitlin and girlfriend heidi x x x x x
I would like to wish all the lads a happy and peaceful new year. special hello to all!! looking forward to seeing you all when ye get back. hope yer behaving!! haha