Corporal Timothy (Timmy) O’Shea from Cobh, Cork is currently on his 2nd deployment overseas with 108 IRISHFINNBATT in Southern Lebanon as part of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon).
Cpl O’Shea has had to leave behind his partner Sarah and his two year old daughter Zoe (who was only 8 months old during his previous trip). “At this age with Zoe, being away for a six months will mark significant changes in her size and personality and of course you don’t want to miss that" reflects O'Shea. "Unlike my previous deployment she is now asking for me and notices my absence which just makes things that bit more difficult.
“However with the leave rotation I’ll be home in just over 2 months and get to see them for 3 weeks before returning to complete my remaining 3 months. This deployment schedule for our unit also means that other fathers and mothers and I get home for Christmas which is a great boost and eases the burden”.
Timmy points out that such absences are a little easier to handle these days, as “the likes of Skype and Viber allow me to keep in contact on a daily basis so the distance between us isn't as a much of an obstacle as it was previously”.
Cpl O’Shea is in an unusual position, as his brother Cpl Michael O’Shea is on his first deployment overseas and is also a member of B Company. Michael also has a five year old daughter back in Ireland. “Our parents were of course upset...” says Timmy, “but at the same time incredibly proud. This is the first time that both of us are away together on a mission. However, we’re regularly in contact with them and they know that this is career we wanted”.
"Every day here is different"
Following his previous deployment as a Private, Cpl O’Shea is now in command of a Javelin (anti-armour weapon) Section within B Company (the Irish Mechanised Infantry unit in UNIFIL).
Irish Peacekeepers, who have been present in Lebanon at various capacities for thirty-five years, are well aware of the situation around them, and many are familiar with operating in a potential volatile area such as South Lebanon. “No soldier here forgets the 47 individuals who have lost their lives whilst serving in Lebanon since 1978” Timmy stresses. “At the same time we still try and maintain as friendly and professional appearance as possible to the local population. We are here as guests to protect and assist them.
“As per UN Security Council Resolution 1701 we conduct regular framework patrols with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) including day and night patrols, establishment of observation points and monitoring of the Blue Line."
Corporal Timothy O’Shea formed up with the 108 Battalion three months prior to deployment and underwent a robust and comprehensive training programme culminating in a Mission Readiness Exercise (M.R.E) which included Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT). This training covered all possible scenarios that the troops may encounter from road traffic accidents (RTAs) to coming under fire. His previous training on courses such as the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) course and the Reconnaissance course also stands to him. Skills such as the ability to use advanced navigation are also highly valuable to the UN mission.
For Cpl O’Shea, working with the UN Peacekeepers is an invaluable experience. "Ultimately serving with the UN is the highlight of every soldier’s career representing both their unit and their country abroad” he concludes. “It's the reason why I joined."
Cpl Timmy O'Shea
Irish Peacekeepers in Lebanon
