Cyprus/Lebanon Trip - Sep. 2008
PLEASE ALLOW THE PAGE TO FULLY LOAD AS THERE ARE MANY PICTURES ON IT AS WELL.
NEWSFLASH; Names are now been taken for a return trip to Cyprus, Lebanon and the Sinai in Sept/Oct 2010. Please contact me for details on calco63@gmail.com or ring me on 086-3830885.
The trip to Cyprus and Lebanon was a fantastic experience for everyone. We will have picture albums up very shortly, when I get all the pictures in. 43 people travelled including IUNVA members, wives, partners, family and friends, as well as two relatives of two soldiers who lost their lives in Lebanon. The pictures on this page, are only a short example of what is in the album page.
On arrival on the Sunday night due to an earlier departure from Dublin most of the group headed out into Protaras to start to sample the local brew, with the lads from Post 25 commandering the local pub "The Rising Sun" as the Cavalry HQ for the next two weeks. We spent the first couple of days lounging in the sun or checking out the local sites and pubs.
On the Tuesday evening the IUNVA group were treated to a show which included a meal at the "Magic Dancing Waters Show", (Paid for by trip fund). Everyone enjoyed the spectacle of fountains of water in all different colours spraying up hundreds of feet into the air to music.
On the first Wednesday, we headed up to Nicosia by luxury coach (Paid by trip fund). We were met at UN camp HQ by a British military escort and two of our own, Garda's JJ McGettigan and John Dowling who are on UN duty in Cyprus. We were escorted into the buffer zone. 24 IUNVA personnel from 6 Posts were in attendance for the ceremony. The ceremonial order and representitives were as follows.
Parade Commander; Eddie Robinson (Post 20).
Wreath laying on behalf of relatives ; Martin O' Keefe (Post 25)
Wreath laying on behalf of IUNVA ; Charlie Mann (Post 3)
Roll of Honour ; Michael Monaghan (Post 1)
Prayers; Hughie Kelly (Post 28)
Music; Tom Whelan (Post 3)
A very moving ceremony took place with two ranks forming outside the cemetry before marching up to the memorial. Eddie Robinson (Parade Commander) outlined to the families, relatives and UN observers the reason for the parade and attendance by IUNVA personnel there.
Martin O' Keefe layed a wreath on behalf of relatives and people of Ireland before Charlie Mann layed another on behalf of IUNVA. Michael Monaghan recited the Roll of Honour , before Hughie Kelly led the two ranks and attending civilians in prayers in rememberance of the dead. Eddie Robinson then recited the beautiful poem he had written in memory of former comrades. A lot of those on parade and watching were moved to tears. Tom Whelan then played Waltzing Matilda on the mouth organ before Eddie Robinson then spoke another few short words and remembered our former Chairman, Liam Murphy (RIP). Tom Whelan then played the National Anthem before the parade was dismissed.
Parade Commander Eddie Robinson.
Martin O' Keefe (Post 25) lays wreath on behalf of the relatives and people of Ireland.
Charlie Mann (Post 3) lays wreath on behalf of IUNVA.
After the ceremony was over a lot of people were still emotional, and the attending Gardai and British troops were also very moved and pleased at seeing the ceremony. Everyone present had photo opportunites at the memorial and I have to say despite having never served in Cyprus myself, I too was moved and very emotional afterwards. After every post had pictures taken a group picture was organised, which included all IUNVA personnel present , accompanying relatives , serving UN personnel from English and Scottish Regiments, Gardai and the two relatives of Irish soldiers who lost their lives in Lebanon.
Group picture at the memorial at Wayne's Keep cemetery, Nicosia, Cyprus 2008.
The only bone of contention was the noise by the Turkish soldiers, shouting and making noise over and over again during the ceremony. I made a complaint about this to the Scottish Transport Regiment sergeant who was in charge of the escort. He himself was disgusted with the Turkish soldiers , and told me so and he subsequently made a formal complaint about their actions. I was subsequently informed by UN HQ via a phone call later that day that the Turks had said the noise was due to them changing the guard beside the cemetery. That would be in my opinion a gross exageration of the truth. But I must compliment the Scottish Regiment Sergeant, who must have made a very voiciferous complaint considering that the complaint made, went through the channels to the top and a complaint then was made by the UN to the Turkish military and a response given and relayed back to me within 6 hours.
After the ceremony we were escorted over to the British camp mess for a quick drink, where as presentation was made to the Scottish Transport Regiment by myself on behalf of IUNVA.
We then faced a dilemma, as to refreshments of a more substantial kind because of a mix up as to where we were supposed to eat. But our two Irish comrades on UN duty, Garda JJ McGettigan and Garda John Dowling came to our rescue as the day was to get better and better. We were brought up to a restaurant cafe, where teas, coffee and rolls and sandwiches were provided by the trip fund. Better still, while the two Gardai went organising further facilities for us, everyone was enthralled to find a UN shop next door to the cafe. Everything from flags, polo shirts, key rings, leather good and more were purchased by most of the group as we boarded the bus again to cross more camps before arriving at UN Police HQ, where the Irish Garda mess was opened to us by Chief Superintendent John Farrelly. Two IUNVA members with us, Anthony Keating and Paul Kehoe both Post 1, had previously worked with Chief Superintendent Farrelly. The Irish music was booming, the drinks were cheap (Thank you Super), and everybody was in awe, shock and appreciation as The Chief Superintendent, the two Gardai and an Argentinian Officer, started to serve the drinks to us. It was just brilliant, as the group relaxed, drank, and chatted away to each other.
After a few hours of refreshments and rest, Colm Callanan thanked everyone at the Garda mess for their exceptional, help, kindness and friendship shown to the group before calling on Eddie Robinson. Eddie also thanked the Chief Superintendent and JJ and John as well as Lt. Gustavo and made a presentation on behalf of IUNVA to Chief Superintendent Farrelly.
Eddie Robinson presents Mullingar Crystal to Chief Superintendent John Farrelly.
Eddie Robinson made a short speech thanking everyone there for helping us out. He cited the contribution by the Irish to the UN and how he was delighted to still see an Irish presence under the UN flag in Cyprus. In turn Chief Superintendent Farrelly, thanked IUNVA for honouring those who died while on service with the UN, and also apologised for any mix up with the arrangements earlier that day (Any mix up was of no part with the Irish Gardai on duty - Ed.) and how he was especially pleased to see some of his countrymen and women over there. We then continued to relax and admire the Garda club house with all the pictures, flags and posters as well as the music from home. Over the course of the afternoon, Gardai JJ McGettigan and Garda John Dowling and the Chief Super, chatted with us, cracked a joke or two and sat with us as we all felt at home.
Paul Kehoe , Chief Superintendent John Farrelly and Anthony Keating both Post 1.
Gardai John Dowling and JJ McGettigan in the Garda mess bar.
Mick Canning (Post 1) chats to Argentinian, Lieutenant Gustavo.
Post 25 members at the Garda HQ mess.
We left the camp, many of us with memories that will last us the rest of our lives. Next up was a trip to downtown Nicosia, where some of the party indulged in ordering pork chops which were the size of small horses if we are to believe all we hear. As we headed back to Protaras, Tom Whelan (Post 3) entertained us with several songs on his mouthorgan before Bill Ready gave us an excellent 37 verse recitation of an un-named farmer from an un-named county.
On arrival back at Protaras, most of the group adjourned to the poolside bar, where the day out and party atmosphere continued unabated, with members from all Posts chatting and drinking together.
Mick Monaghan insists on a 1927 house wine.
On the Thursday evening 13 of us departed to Larnaca airport, and those that remained behind, were to hire cars and travel the island of Cyprus over the next 4 days, and some just enjoyed the sun, sea, beach and resort. We arrived in Beirut at 11pm approx., and were met at the airport by a bus from the hotel, which was the fabulous Gefinor Rotana Hotel. After checking in, we all went into the downtown Hamas district and sampled some late beers, before returning to the hotel. Our group all wore the IUNVA polo shirts while travelling through the airports, and we were treated with distinction and speed at every point. On the Friday morning, we had to wait for the wreaths to be delivered to the hotel and while in the lobby, we were approached by a group of 5 Swedish UNIFIL veterans, who themselves were on a visit to the AO in south Lebanon. We chatted and talked of old times and they related some trouble that they had encountered on their visit down south at checkpoints the previous day.
IUNVA members with Swedish UNIFIL veterans at the Gefinor Rotana Hotel.
We departed Beirut just after midday, with 9 wreaths and headed down south. The group chatted as we drove through various towns and the breaks were coming thick and fast. Michael O' Neill was our navigator and our first stop was at Qana. We met a local Lebanese guy who had worked with the Fijians and had been there during the two massacres by the Israeli's. We went to the burnt out building which has been left as a constant memorial where children were burnt to death, when they were seeking refuge from the bombings.
Anthony Keating and Michael O' Neill at the burnt out building in Qana where the children died.
At the UN Qana compound with an Israeli tank.
After our stop at Qana, we headed across the hills on roads which reminded us how it was all those years ago. Next stop was Haddatah, where I pulled rank as trip organiser as I wanted to try and make contact with a friend that was from there but had moved to North Africa 25 years ago, unable to locate anyone that knew him, I left my contact details at a local shop and was thrilled to find out a few days later he had rang my home number. We could hardly believe that the dirt track over the hill between Haddatah and At-Tiri by posts, 615-Charlie and Hill 880 was now tarred and open to the public. But we were caught for time, and proceeded to Tibnin and the orphanage. On arrival it seemed deserted, and no windows were open at the front. Myself and Michael O' Neill went around the back, where we were let in, as was the main group via the front. We found the orphanage spotless, and full. There were 54 girls there, from a couple of years old to 16 years old. They were immaculatley dressed, and well behaved and polite.
Post 31 Welfare Officer Eddie Doyle at Tibnin orphanage with some of the girls.
Everyone was moved by the sad sight of children orphaned and put into care of the orphanage due to their parents being disabled due to the war, our Lebanese bus driver was overcome with emotion as he had not known of the work carried out at the orphanage and the Irish association with it. The orphanage director Mohammed Fawaz was delighted to see us and refreshments were provided to our group as Mohammed relayed to us their sadness at the departure of the Irish from Tibnin and their appreciation to us for all we had done for them in the past. Indeed the orphanage has a display of pictures on show from the past including the previous trip organised by Post 20. Michael O' Neill (Post 31) then made a short speech about our appreciation of those who worked day in and out at the orphnanage in the care of these girls and then presented Mohammed Fawaz with a large donation on behalf of IUNVA,
Michael O' Neill (Post 31) makes a presentation on behalf of IUNVA to Mohammed Fawaz to the orphanage.
We then made a gift of sweets and chocolates to the children which was organised by Anthony Keating and Paul Kehoe with the help of our excellent coach driver Alle and it must be said that when several of the large bags of treats and gifts were put down in front of the some of the children such was their good manners that there was no diving or grabbing for them, but instead, polite and emotional thank you's to us. We then said our goodbyes to everyone at the orphanage before proceeding up to the church and memorial. (It must be stated here that the memorial plaque which was put up by the Irish UN soldiers at the orphanage before they handed over control of Tibnin to the Polish contingent, was taken down by Belgians later on during renovation work but was lost and never put back up. This needs to be addressed next year by the next group to visit Tibnin)
Michael O' Neill (Parade Commander) spoke of the sacrifice of those who had paid the ultimate price in the service of peace. Eddie Doyle (Post 31) laid a wreath on behalf of IUNVA, Michael Yeates laid a wreath in memory of his father Sgt. Ted Yeates, Eamonn Murphy laid a wreath in memory of his son Pte. Jonathan Murphy, Colm Callanan laid a wreath on behalf of the Nestor family in memory of Commandant Michael Nestor and Colm Callanan then laid a picture of Pte. Philip Grogan and a set of Rosary beads at the memorial on behalf of his family in Donegal.
Eddie Doyle (Post 31) laying wreath on behalf of IUNVA
Michael Yeates after laying a wreath in memory of his father Sgt.Ted Yeates.
Eamonn Murphy laying a wreath in memory of his son Pte. Jonathan Murphy.
Colm Callanan (Post 31) laying a wreath on behalf of the Nestor family.
Picture of Pte. Philip Grogan and Rosary beads laid at the memorial in Tibnin.
Michael O' Neill led the prayers for all those who had lost their lives on service in Lebanon and emphasised that IUNVA would not forget or allow to be forgotten those brave men, who never returned home. The ceremony was viewed by Hassan Fawaz, who was up at the memorial with others cleaning it and getting it ready for the visit of The Minister of Defence Willie O' Dea who was to arrive the following week. (I made representations to Hassan about the ommission of Commadant Michael Nestors name on the memorial, as the memorial only had UNIFIL names on it, Comdt. Nestor was killed while serving with UNTSO. This was to be amended the following week, with Comdt. Nestors name being engraved on the memorial - Ed)
We departed the memorial site and headed to Tibnin Bridge. A new memorial has been built at the side of the bridge, but the plaque with the names of Cpl. Greg Morrow, Pte. Thomas Murphy and Pte. Peter Burke had not at the time been put up. Non the less, we felt proud to be there remembering our fallen comrades and being the first group to place a wreath at the new memorial. Of the six IUNVA personnel present at the ceremony, five were serving in Lebanon at the time when our three comrades lost their lives. Anthony Keating (Post 1) laid the wreath on behalf of IUNVA at the new memorial.
Anthony Keating (Post 1) lays a wreath in memory of our comrades at Tibnin Bridge.
We left Tibnin Bridge and headed over to Brachit. It was here that Sgt. Ted Yeates was killed and the decision was taken to place the wreaths at the camp under French UN Command and after talking to the officer in charge the ceremony began. Michael O' Neill (Parade Commander) led the tributes to Ted Yeates , whom he knew personally. Michael O' Neill (Jnr) - Post 31 , laid a wreath on behalf of IUNVA and Michael Yeates laid a wreath in memory of his father Sgt. Ted Yeates.
Michael O' Neill (Jnr) - Post 31 lays a wreath on behalf of IUNVA.
Michael Yeates lays a wreath in memory of his father Sgt. Ted Yeates.
We now were getting in towards the evening and headed back towards Tyre, taking in many of the areas where we served in the past. as it was getting dark it was decided that the ceremony for Pte. Jonathan Murphy would take place the next day. But we stopped at the location where he lost his life in order to assess the area for the placing of a metal remembrance plaque which Eamonn Murphy had brought over from Ireland.
The following day, we headed south towards Naquora and ran into our first problem, when we were stopped on the coast road by the Lebanese Army and refused access because it was too dangerous unless we got special permission from UNIFIL. We decided that we'd give Naquora a miss and turned around and headed back to Tyre. We arrived at the Coloseum, and enjoyed the sights, where Ben Hur was made. The weather was beautiful and the group had a three hour stop. We split up and wandered around Tyre, taking in the sights, shopping and stopping in cafes.
Colm Callanan and Michael O' Neill at the Coloseums in Tyre.
We departed Tyre and headed back towards Beirut, where 18 km south of Beirut we stopped at the spot where Pte. Johnathon Murphy and three of his comrades lost their lives. Eamonn Murphy, (Jonathon's father), Michael Yeates and the IUNVA group helped secure the metal pole in the ground and built up rocks and large stones around it. Parade Commander Michael O' Neill led the ceremony, and Paul Kehoe (Post 1) laid the wreath on behalf of IUNVA. Eamonn Murphy then laid a wreath in memory of his son Jonathon. This was then followed by the laying of two bouquets of red roses by Eamonn, before the IUNVA personell saluted their dead comrades. It was a very moving ceremony and watching everyone help build the small memorial was part of what made it special.
Memorial plaque in honour of Pte. Jonathan Murphy.
Paul Kehoe (Post 1) lays a wreath on behalf of IUNVA.
Eamonn Murphy lays a wreath in memory of his son Jonathan.
IUNVA personnel salute their fallen comrades.
We returned to Beirut, into the luxury of our hotel, but will always be forever reminded of those not with us today because of their sacrifice. Saturday night was spent at everyones own leisure and because of Ramadam many of the shops were open until 1am. Sunday was a free day and all of the group headed down into some of the areas that had been worst affected by recent wars. Which certainly was sightseeing with a difference. Some of the group headed down to the Hard rock Cafe while others were content to return to the hotel and sample once again the lavish comfort, quality and service at the Gefinor Rotana Hotel. We departed the hotel at 6pm and flew back to Cyprus with the excellent Middle East Airlines. To me, Lebanon was the best part of the trip, I too felt emotional especially at Tibnin Bridge, where three of my comrades lost their lives. I had flown out with two of them a week before, sitting beside Cpl. Greg Morrow on the plane and was on duty at At-Tiri a few miles away when word came through they had been shot. I never knew Sgt. Ted Yeates, Private Jonathon Murphy, Private Philip Grogan or Commandant Michael Nestor or any of our other comrades who died while on service with the UN in Lebanon personaly but felt for their families, knew of their sacrifice and as I stood in the ranks to attention, I stood proud with a heavy heart at the service, dedication and bravery of these fine men. May they rest in Peace.
We arrived back on the Sunday night and on the Monday back in Cyprus, 24 of our group departed for Egypt. The two day tour took in the pyramids and Cairo as well as a trip on a luxury liner, which included dinner at the captains table. Jade Doyle celebrated her 10th birthday while on the cruise and received a birthday cake from the captain while on the ship. The group were under the care of Eddie Robinson (Post 20).
Liz Doyle enjoying the sights in Egypt.
Jim Doherty and Eddie Robinson (Post 20) at the pyramids.
The group arrived back from Egypt on the Wednesday and some of them decided to relax in Protaras the following day while another day out was had on the Thursday up to Limassol again by luxury coach (Paid for by trip fund)We started with a tour of the Keo Brewery, which included visits to the wine cellars and brandy vaults before we relaxed in the tasting hall, and had free beer, wine and brandy.
Five Cavalry men salute the Five Kings in the Keo Brewery.
A great time was had by all, and besides sampling the many wines and beers on offer, some of the group with more refined tastes were brandy connessiours, and a "few" bottles of "The Five Kings" were purchased. We had met a few other people on our trip around the brewery, a lovely Russian couple, konstantin and Julia and some English people, Jack and Ivy being two. We invited them all to join us on our trip to the Royal British Legion Club in downtown Limassol. We then departed the Keo Brewery for the short journey down to the club. We arrived 20 minutes early, and were delighted to see Bill Gamble and his fellow members waiting for us at the entrance to the club.
Even better, as we walked in the door, Irish music was playing from a cd player. We were given an extremely warm welcome and while some of the group walked around the club, reading newsletters and notices as well as wall plaques and looking at pictures, others sampled some ice cold beers orchatted with some of the members there. I also took a look around, and they have a library as well for their members. They kindly provided sandwiches and rolls for us, and everyone chatted and enjoyed themselves. They opened their shop cabinet, and many items were purchased and I even took on Bill Gamble in a pool challenge match. (I think I lost) IUNVA then made a presentation to the Royal British Legion, and a few short speeches were given, by Colm, Eddie Doyle and Eddie Robinson, who stressed the need to keep building up the good relationship between our two groups. The Royal British legion were praised for being the fore runners in looking after the welfare of ex soldiers and Eddie cited the fact that IUNVA was very appreciative for the support we recieved from the Royal British Legion, both at home and abroad. Eddie Doyle then presented Bill Gamble with a piece of Mullingar Crystal on behalf of IUNVA. Bill Gamble accepted the presentation and spoke too of the need for both our organisations to work closely hand in hand. He mentioned many good friendships struck up amongst ex-soldiers and the need for organisations like both of ours to look after our fellow comrades.
Eddie Robinson, Eddie Doyle and Bill Gamble (RBL - Cyprus)
After a happy few hours at The Royal British Legion Club we departed back for Protaras. If any of you guys are over in Cyprus, drop in and pay a visit to the club house in Limassol. You are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.
On the Friday morning another large group of IUNVA veterans departed for Turkish controlled northern Cyprus. the tour took in Famagusta , Turkish controlled Nicosia, and by many of the camps where our own troops had served. The trip culminated with a memorable visit to what is now called UN Camp Roca. Here many of the party had served their time here back in the early 60's and I had to keep ducking as the breaks were flying fast over my head. But again it was emotional, as some of our party recounted their time here and friends they had served with that are no longer with us. Once again our IUNVA dress code came into it's own, as we gained access to a UN controlled camp.
IUNVA personell at the old town walls of Famagusta
Eddie Robinson and Bill Ready (Post 20) with an Argentinian officer at Camp Roca.
Michael Canning (Post 1) at Camp Roca.
Again another great day was had, and we had another evenful journey back to Protaras. As we enjoyed our time at the poolside bar. On the Saturday, our final full day and night, we were in for another treat. A full poolside barbeque including drinks and a free draw for money (Paid for by Trip Fund). The food was fantastic, with as much of whatever you wanted, drinks were flowing, singers, magicians and entertainers kept us happy and in good spirits.
IUNVA members and friends party on in Protaras.
On the Sunday the hotel provided us with a weighing scales so none of us would exceed the weight limit on our return journey. We enjoyed our final day in glorious sunshine again. We left on the Sunday evening from our hotel at 17:30 hrs. It was a most memorable and enjoyable trip and one that will definetly repeated. I am already in the process of organising a retrun trip to Beirut and Lebanon, while Post 1 are organising a trip back to Protaras in Cyprus next year.............. WATCH THIS SPACE !
