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december 2014 Vol 18 Issue 4 www.military.ie Defence Forces Newsletter READ MORE Message from the President M ar Uachtarán agus mar Cheannasaí Uachtarach, ba mhaith liom síocháin na Nollag agus Bliain Nua faoi shéan agus faoi shonas a ghuí ar bhaill uile Óglaigh na hÉireann agus ar a muintir. As President and Supreme Com- mander, I would like to send my best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all members of the Defence Forces and their families. I know that for many of you this festive season will be spent apart from family and loved ones, as you carry out your official duties at home and abroad. It is a sacrifice that is generously made by mem- bers of our Defence Forces each and every year; a sacrifice that is recog- nised and greatly appreciated by me and by your fellow citizens. So may I thank you, on behalf of the Irish people, for your selfless dedication to duty and to the cause of peace. Throughout 2014 Óglaigh na hÉireann continued to make an important and positive contribu- tion to the lives of people across the globe, constantly displaying the bravery and professionalism which makes us so deeply proud of our Defence Forces. That professionalism was very much in evidence when Sabina and I visited members of the 47th Infan- try Group in the Glen of Imaal in October, as they prepared for a tour of duty with UNIFIL in Lebanon. As a nation we also took great pride in your swift and courageous support of your UN colleagues on the Golan Heights in August of this year. We also salute those who have recently been posted to Sierra Leone and the West African region to assist in efforts to address the Ebola crisis. It has been inspiring to witness such outstanding examples of the com- mitment to peace, international se- curity and humanitarianism which lies at the heart of all you do. I would also like to express my gratitude for the significant role you play in State Visits to Áras an Úachtaráin, and at other impor- tant ceremonial events in this country; bringing to all such occa- sions the impressive dignity and distinction which make you such a credit to the nation. As we approach this festive sea- son I would like, on behalf of all the people of Ireland, to wish you and your families a very happy Christ- mas and a prosperous New Year. Contents Christmas Messages Cambrian Patrol 2014 Spot the difference

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