Media Invite - 12.00pm, 31 Oct 2023 Ministerial Review
Ministerial Review of the 123rd Infantry Battalion UNIFIL prior to deployment to Lebanon
An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, will review the men and women of the 123rd Infantry Battalion prior to their departure for a six-month deployment to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). There will be a media doorstep opportunity with the Minister for Defence, Mr Micheál Martin T.D at approx. 11.40am prior to parade.
The deployment of the 123rd Infantry Battalion will see 343 personnel (9 Maltese & 334 Irish) deploy to Lebanon in November 2023.
The review will take place in Kilkenny Castle, Co Kilkenny, at 12.00pm on Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Outline of the Ceremony
a. 123 Infantry Battalion on parade
b. MC outlines format of ceremony
c. Blessing of Unit Identification Flag
d. Arrival of local dignitaries
e. Arrival of Tánaiste and Minister for Defence
f. National and Regimental Colours on parade
g. Review by Minister
h. Address by Minister
i. March Past
There will be excellent photographic opportunities throughout the review. Interviews with personnel and their families will take place after the parade concludes.
Location: Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny. Please arrive to the Main Gate of Kilkenny Castle to meet the POC.
Point of Contact: Lieutenant Eoin Clancy, Defence Forces Press Office; 087 329 6749.
ENDS