Over the past two weeks the 102 Inf Bn, bound for MINURCAT Chad/CAR, has been conducting their Mission Readiness Exercise in the Glen of Imaal. Today, December 16, the troops received a very welcome visit from their Supreme Commander, Uachtarán na hÉireann Mary McAleese. There to greet the President were Maj Gen Dave Ashe, D COS Sp, and Comdt Mick Murray, OC 102 Inf Bn.
The President received a brief on the current situation in Chad and the role of the Irish peacekeepers there. She then visited troops on the ground undergoing training for deployment overseas, including the Command and Control Centre, and a casualty evacuation exercise.
Later the President addressed the battalion and commented on how proud she was of the men and women of the Defence Forces for the tough and demanding job they do helping the people of Chad. “I am confident,” the President said, “that your training and professionalism and the wonderful Irish spirit of compassion and humanity will enable you to excel in your challenging mission.”
On a more sombre note President McAleese remembered Capt Derek Furniss who died recently in a training accident with the Air Corps. Capt Furniss was due to deploy with 102 Inf Bn to Chad.
Shaking hands with as many troops as possible President McAleese wished all the battalion a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones. Not escaping the President’s attention was Cpl Paddy Ross, 2 Inf Bn. Summoned from the kitchen to meet the President Paddy is deploying on his 21st mission overseas. “Whether deploying for the first time or like Paddy you will do Ireland proud,” said President McAleese, and I look forward to seeing each member of 102 Inf Bn returning to Ireland safe and well.”