400 troops invade Eyre Square

FOUR hundred troops from the 1st infantry battalion based at Renmore Barracks were inspected by Defence Minister Willie O’Dea on Eyre Square yesterday in a scene reminiscent of early 20th century Galway.The soldiers are due to travel to Chad on peacekeeping duty as part of the United Nation’s EUFOR programme in the coming days and the lead unit in the mission will be the Irish speaking battalion, An Chéad Cathán.Ninety-two of the soldiers embarking on the mission will be serving overseas for the first time and they will be led by their Battalion Commander, Lt Col Ian Hanna.Addressing the troops, Minister O’Dea said the location of Eyre Square had been chosen for the review to mark the fact that the Irish speaking Western Brigade would lead the mission and because Galway was the heartland of the West.“This review is taking place here in the centre of the historic and beautiful city of Galway which is the most appropriate venue given that the Western Brigade is the lead Brigade for this tour of duty. It is a review of the 1st Infantry Battalion to depart for services overseas,” Minister O’Dea said.Commenting on conditions in Chad and the ongoing humanitarian crisis there, Minister O’Dea said...