Irish United Nations Veterans Association

Brashit, At-Tiri, Tibnine, Al-Yatun, Haddathah, Naquora, Limassol, Nicosia, Famagusta, Xeros - these are not names that would roll off your tongue; but on the 10th August 2003 members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, with their families, left Ireland with a mission to re-visit all of the above locations.

Members of Post 3 and Post 20 with their families at Bloomfield House Hotel, prior to their departure to Cyprus.

Arriving in Larnaca at approximately 22:00 hrs we travelled by coach to our hotel in Limassol, a far cry from the tents that awaited us on our arrival here all those years ago. It was not until the next morning that I realised that nothing appeared to be the same as when I first arrived there forty years ago, as a young peacekeeper. As this was to be a family holiday for all who travelled, our first few days were spent soaking up the Cypriot sun and sampling a few of the local beverages.

On Friday the 15th seventeen members of our group travelled to Beirut, and from there on the following day travelled south to Tibnine, where we presented a cheque to the Orphanage to assist them in their work. This money was raised by various fund raising events by members of Post 20, Mullingar.

Pictured on right:
Eddie Robinson NDO, presenting the cheque to the Orphanage on behalf of Post 20

While in the Orphanage we received the best of Lebanese hospitality, and members of our families were able to sample for the first time some of the finest food, which we ourselves had grown accustomed to over the years.

Members of Post 20 at the Memorial Monument in Tibnine after the Wreath Laying Ceremony

We then travelled the short journey to a hilltop overlooking the village of Tibnine, where a beautiful monument now stands in memory of our comrades, who gave their lives for the cause of Peace. There a very moving Ceremony took place where members from Post 3 Wexford, and Post 11 Suncroft The Curragh and Post 20 Mullingar laid wreaths in memory of our fallen comrades.

After a walk around Tibnine, we then travelled by coach to a number of villages, where members of our group had served, and I am delighted to say we were remembered and welcomed in all of them.

It was then the long coach journey back to Beirut, taking in Naqoura, Qana and Tyre on the way.

After a good nights sleep, it was off to the Mountains overlooking Beirut to visit with the Lebanese Minister for Sport and Culture, who two months previously had been in Mullingar with the Lebanese Special Olympics Team. A presentation of a video tape of their visit to Mullingar was presented to him, and once again we were treated to the best of Lebanese hospitality.

Reception hosted by the Minister for Sport and Culture at his home in Beirut

But, alas, all good things must come to an end, and soon it was back to the airport for our return trip to Cyprus.

The next few days were spent travelling around Cyprus, visiting the areas where we had served. On Thursday all members and their families travelled to U.N. HQRS Nicosia where we were met by the Irish troops who are currently serving in Cyprus. They accompanied us across the Green Line to Nicosia War Cemetery, where another Wreath Laying Ceremony took place.

I have no hesitation in saying that when the trumpeter sounded the Last Post, many tears were shed; it was particularly moving to see the faces of the children, and I imagine it will be a memory that will stay with them for many a long day.

Wreath Laying at the War Memorial at Nicosia

After the ceremony we travelled to Nicosia Airport; a place we used on many occasions, while serving as peacekeepers. Now derelict, it looked a very sad sight. From there it was back to U.N. HQ where refreshments were provided - and very welcome they were! It was then the ladies in our group decided it was time to "spend, spend, spend" so the coach was diverted to downtown Nicosia.

No trip to Cyprus would be complete without a trip to the Troodos Mountains; which we did over the next few days. Some of the group even tried their hand at horse riding (poor horses!)

It was inevitable that an end of trip party would take place, which, of course, it did. Our group consisted of 31 in all, but as the night progressed the numbers multiplied; as Irish men and women from all around the resort joined in. The Fields of Athenry were visited on many an occasion that night; friends for life were made on this trip; and it goes without saying that a return trip is already in the pipe line.