Two sets of siblings among 50 Galway soldiers set for Syria

Two sets of Galway brothers are among the 50 solders about to deployed to Syria for a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission from Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa barracks in Renmore.

Lieutenant Colonel Frank Flannery from Athenry is the Officer Commanding the 63 Infantry Group which leaves next Wednesday for Camp Faouar, located between Israeli Occupied Golan and the Syrian Arab Republic.

There will be 129 in the group on the mission for six months – 46 of them on their first overseas tour – and 50 are based in Renmore.

Of these, 30 are Galway natives, including brothers Shane and Steven O’Halloran from Oughterard and Kenneth and David McCormack from Claregalway. Joining Privates O’Halloran and Corporals McCormack will be one of only two women in the group, Corporal Cathy Jennings from Galway City.

“It’s unusual to have two sets of brothers alright,” remarks Lt Col Flannery.

“The atmosphere in the group is excellent. There’s a great attitude, they’re very, very positive and very much looking forward to commencing the mission. They’re very aware we serve the State and are aware of the very long and proud tradition the Defence Forces have on overseas service across the world.

“That reputation is well earned and everybody here is going to make a contribution to that.”

While the so-called ‘Area of Separation’ patrolled by the UN has been calm for some time, the group have been training since early January for every eventuality at locations around the country. They faced simulated explosive strikes, air strikes, helicopter drills, anti-ambush tactics using a variety of advanced weapons systems, detailed planning and traditional peacekeeping methods.

They also spent a week of live fire training in the Glen of Imaal, explains Lt Col Flannery.

(Photo: Claregalway brothers Kenneth and David McCormack prepare for their mission)
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