They may be on the other side of the world, but that hasn’t stopped our brave Irish troops from getting loved-up for Valentine’s Day.
Defence Forces troops from the 119th Infantry Battalion deployed with the UN in South Lebanon to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have sent home Valentine's messages to their loved ones.
The battalion, deployed to Lebanon in November 2021, consists of a total of 352 personnel deployed overseas who would normally have three weeks leave in the course of a six-month tour of duty, but due to current UN covid related restrictions, these troops will conduct their full tour of duty without any leave.
Having been away from their families for Christmas, troops will now have to celebrate a virtual Valentine’s day with loved ones at home.
Cpl John Monaghan wrote: “Just want to wish my wife Natasha a happy 2nd wedding anniversary and a Happy Valentine’s day, miss you and love you loads. Sorry I’m not there but will make up for it when I’m home in May.”
Gnr Denver Murphy said: “I want to wish my beautiful wife Georgina Cremin a very Happy Valentine’s Day. I miss you and love you loads.”
Gnr Anthony Fitzgerald wrote: “I want to wish my beautiful girlfriend Aoife a Happy Valentine’s Day and to thank you for making me laugh and smile every single day since the day we met. I love and miss you so much and can’t wait to see you when I’m home in a couple of months”
Tpr Steve Coughlan said: “I want to give a very big Happy Valentines’ to my girlfriend back home, together almost five years. I’m thinking about you every day over here and I know you’re doing great. I miss you so much and hope you get on OK for Valentine without me being there, at least you know I’m always thinking about you, I love you always, Steve.”
Gnr Stephen Murphy wrote: “Happy Valentine’s Day to my girlfriend Emily, I love and miss you loads and can’t wait to see you in June xx”
Gnr Rian Sullivan said: “I want to wish my girlfriend Alice a happy Valentine’s Day. Can’t wait to see you soon, lots of love.”
Gnr Tommy Griffin said: “Like to say Happy Valentine’s day to Lynda Boland back home hope you have a good day see you soon”
