Kildare soldiers getting ready for six-month stint in Lebanon - but some may get home for Christmas

Soldiers drawn from Co Kildare are getting ready to be deployed to Lebanon in coming days.

The Lilywhite troops will be part of the 51st Infantry Group patrolling the Israeli-Lebanon border from the middle of this month.

The 190 soldiers will continue the Defence Forces' long association with Lebanon during their six-month tour.

Many of troops are parents with small children but will get home briefly for Christmas and maintain contact during the six months via Facetime and Skype.

Ireland has been involved with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since its inception in 1978.

Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe officially reviewed the group at a ceremony in Dublin's Cathal Brugha Barracks yesterday.