WATCH: Leitrim soldier follows grandad's footsteps on Lebanon peacekeeping mission

A Leitrim soldier is preparing to embark on her first overseas mission with the Defence Forces, following a family tradition of military service as Ireland’s long-standing peacekeeping commitment in Lebanon approaches a potential end.

Private Muireann Cullen is among almost 300 Irish personnel preparing to deploy to southern Lebanon in November with the 69th Infantry Group, which will serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

While the prospect of her first overseas deployment brings some nerves, the extensive training she has completed has helped build her confidence ahead of the mission.

“It is my first mission overseas, I am a bit nervous but with all the training that we have done I am feeling a bit more confident leading up to it (deployment) definitely,” Private Cullen said.

For Private Cullen, the deployment will be an opportunity to gain valuable experience, learn from more senior members of the Defence Forces and take on the responsibilities of serving overseas.

“We are going to learn a lot there are a huge amount of opportunities, learn from out senior NCO’s,” she said.

Private Cullen will serve as a rifleman with A Company during the deployment, joining fellow Irish soldiers as they prepare to take over duties from the 128th Infantry Battalion.

Private Cullen said her mother was feeling a mixture of nerves and pride as the family prepares for her departure.

“My mum would be a little bit nervous but she is excited and proud. My grandad would have done a few UNIFIL missions,” she said.

Her grandfather’s experience has helped shape her own connection to military service, giving her the opportunity to continue a tradition that has been part of her family’s history.

“The army was a big part of his life, so I am happy to keep up that tradition,” she said.

As Ireland prepares for what could be its final large-scale peacekeeping deployment to Lebanon, Private Cullen will be joining a mission that has played a significant role in the lives of generations of Irish soldiers.

Ireland’s contribution to UNIFIL began in 1978, and more than 30,000 Irish troops have served in Lebanon over the decades. The mission has established longstanding connections between Irish personnel and local communities in southern Lebanon.

However, the latest deployment comes at a particularly significant time, with the current UNIFIL mandate scheduled to end on December 31 and a subsequent drawdown and withdrawal of forces expected during 2027.

Private Cullen acknowledged the emotions surrounding the potential conclusion of Ireland’s involvement, recognising the significance of the mission for both the Lebanese and Irish people.

“There are definitely a lot of emotions going around, I would say that it means a lot to the Lebanese people as well and to the Irish people we have been there a long time, there are a lot of roots there but we are just doing what we can,” she said.

Despite the wider uncertainty surrounding the future of the mission, the immediate focus for Private Cullen and her fellow soldiers is on carrying out their duties and being prepared for the circumstances they may encounter.

Reflecting on what she expects from the deployment, she said she anticipates a calm routine of patrols, while remaining conscious that the situation could change and that personnel may be required to withdraw quickly.

“I am expecting it to be calm, for us to be doing our patrols up until we are told to stop and to pull out of the camp as swiftly and tactfully as we can,” she said.

The 69th Infantry Group is currently undertaking its Mission Readiness Exercise in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow, as personnel complete their final preparations before travelling overseas in November.

The demanding training programme is designed to prepare soldiers for the challenges of operating in southern Lebanon. Exercises include live firing, simulated mortar attacks, casualty evacuations, ambushes and patrols, helping personnel develop the skills and confidence required for peacekeeping duties.

Lieutenant Colonel Cormac Brady, who will lead the 69th Infantry Group, has also highlighted the importance of remembering the 48 members of the Defence Forces who lost their lives while serving with UNIFIL.

Their sacrifice remains an important part of the mission’s history as another generation of Irish soldiers prepares to deploy.

For Private Cullen, the upcoming mission represents both a significant personal milestone and an opportunity to continue her grandfather’s legacy.