51st Infantry Battalion UNIFIL

This picture was taken following the 51st Battalion's Medal Parade at Camp Shamrock, Tibnin, South Lebanon. The Medal Parade has always been a highlight of any trip overseas and is, when possible presided over by the UNIFIL Force Commander, as was the case here. In the photo we can see Force Commander Lt Gen W. Callaghan chatting with Paul Clarke.

Peter Burke is on the Left, while the APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) Driver is Mo Heaphey. Can you name the guy on the Right? This photo shows members of "A" Company at Tibnin Bridge.

Anyone who has served with IRISHBATT in Lebanon will know "Total". This picture will certainly bring back memories. Total was the home to the Irish Transport Platoon HQ. As time went on, a number of Mingi Shops opened here, including The Ilac Center and Dunnes Stores.

Paul Clarke is seen here on the 4th of June 1982 on the Tar-Mac at Beirut International Airport, awaiting the arrival of supplies.

IrishBatt Head Quarters "Camp Shamrock" Located on the outskirts of Tibnin Village, as seen from the Main Gate.

Handover Party from 51st Battalion to 52nd Battalion, Liam Donegan, ???, ???, Sean Slattery, Denis Flynn, Donie Kelliher, Mick Hickey, Liam Daly, Danny Aherne and Domo McCarthy.

Denis Lawless and Paul Clarke thinking of home, while serving with UNIFIL in South Lebanon.

Members of "A" Company's Recce Section of the 51st Infantry Battalion UNIFIL. L-R: Wally Doyle, Davey Alford, Jock ???, Brian Mc Eneaney, Mo Heaphy and Dave ??? Anyone fill in the ???'s If you can, please contact me.

This Photo was submitted by Martin Nugent. It was taken on the 29th of July 1982 at Gallows Green, to celebrate his Birthday.
L-R: Tommy Bird, Martin Gaffney, Pat Searle, Alan Curravan, Martin Nugent, PJ Hassett and Mick Heffernan.

On the left is Paddy O'Donovan, on the right is John Shaw. This picture was taken during the rotation between the 51st and the 52nd Battalions. Paddy is on the next flight home, while John just arrived on the last one. The shot was taken at the Water Hole at Qana.

The work load in "The Leb" was always a heavy one, so when the time came to relax, it was grabbed with both hands. Many sporting events would be organised, many on an inter contingent level. There were also more local events, like what we see here. This was the scene at "A" Company's Talent show and features John Hewitt and Mick Pierce, giving their rendition of "Whispering Grass".

Members of HQ Coy of the 51st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL seen here at Fiji Beach. Back Row L-R: Jack Shanahan, Domo McCarth, George Coleman, Kevin Dunne, Con Harrington. Front: Mick O’Sullivan, Joe Guidera, Jim Brady.

Members of the Transport Platoon with the 51st Irish Battalion, UNIFIL. Seen here at Total during the Israeli Defence Forces (I.D.F.) invasion of Southern Lebanon in 1982.

This Photo was also taken in TOTAL during the I.D.F. Invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and shows an Isreali Centurian M.B.T.
(Main Battle Tank) making its way through the streets of this small Village.

Sean Slattery, Danny Aherne, Con Harrington at UN House, Netanya, Israel.

Rob Hoogeboom sent in this picture. He was a Dutch Soldier who served with UNIFIL during 1982. During his time he met up with John McCormack, (Spike) who is from Dublin. Rob would like to get back in contact with Spike. If you know him, please ask him to contact this site and I will put them in touch with each other. UPDATE: We have now managed to put Spike and Rob back in contact

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Menbers of "A" Company's football team. Gerry Cunningham, Matt Stewart,Tony McCarthy, Paul Clarke Aidan Denby,Barry Carey, Gerry Behan, Dave Carrick & Aiden Power.

Working as a UN Soldier isn't all glamour, as these guys will tell you... L-R: Sully, Paddy O'Donovan and Spike McCormack.

Willie O'Mahoney of the Transport Platoon, is seen here in the Detail Office in Total, July '82. behind him is a Map of South Lebanon.

"Apres Parade" This photo was taken the night of the Medal Parade and shows Paul Clarke on the left with the Battalion Commander
Lt Col Mick Minehane.

Joe Burke awakens to his first day in "The Leb". Stationed at Camp Shamrock in Tibnin.

HQ Coy Pantomime Troupe including: Domo McCarth, Jim Brady, Paul Judge, Danny Aherne, Donal Coakley and Alan ???

Do you know where you were on the 2nd of June 1982??? Paddy O'Donovan does, He was in a Mingi Shop in Haddatah.

Joe Burke on the left with Willie Ryan Playing the Pipes for members of GhanaBatt. Summer 1982.

Pipe Band of the 51st Battalion UNIFIL.

When the Battalion's Medal Parade comes around, unfortunately not everyone entitled can be present due to operational reasons. To rectify this, the various Companies hold their own parade for those who missed out. This picture was taken on "A" Company's event and shows Paul Clarke on the left, with Murtagh "Maxi" McGrath.

Members of the Transport Platoon at Total L-R: Noel "Gunther" O'Reilly, Paddy O'Donovan, Noel Leavy, Stevie "Swanner" McMahon, and Slim Browne.

In June of 1982 the Israeli Defence Forces (I.D.F.) invaded Southern Lebanon, the offensive was called "Operation peace for Galilee". This Picture shows an IDF Jeep in the village of Tibnin.

Paddy O'Donovan and Paddy Fogerty in Total, 51st IrishBatt, UNIFIL. 1982. What you can see behind them on the right, are Pre-Fabs, which were commonly used for accomodation. They were fine in the summer months, but anyone who served during a winter trip, werent so happy with them...

On any trip with UNIFIL, the Medal Parade has always been one of the highlights. This picture, taken in August 1982 shows Joe Burke receives his Medal in Camp Shamrock, Tibnin, South Lebanon.

Paddy O'Donovan seen here at Total (P: Totaal), which served as the HQ of the Transport Platoon for the Irish.

IDF invasion forces driving past Recce Coy HeadQuarters at Caltex, Tibnin, 7 June 1982.

Pictured officiating at the NiBatt (Inter-Contingent Table Tennis competition) L-R:Davy Tuite, Fr Sean Conlon & Paul Clarke.

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6th Irish Component UNIFIL

Photo taken on the occasion of the 6th Irish Component Medal Parade which took place at Naqoura, South Lebanon. picture shows
L-R: Peter Murphy, Paul Clarke and Fr. Sean Conlon.

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