More than 100 Defence Forces soldiers will be deployed to Lebanon today and many are leaving behind their children, born during Covid-19, to represent their country as peacekeepers for seven months. In total, 130 personnel from across Ireland will fly out to Lebanon this morning to a country where the Defence Forces has been serving since 1978. But in four decades, this is without doubt one of the most challenging times in which Irish soldiers have been deployed. And it is especially difficult for those who have just welcomed children into the world during the pandemic. Wife Rachel (35), a hospital caterer, is at home on maternity leave, holding the fort, while Pvt McMahon is in Lebanon.

Source: Irish Independent May 10, 2021 01:30 UTC