Irish Peacekeeper Killed

Irish soldier Billy Kedian killed while on peacekeeping duty in Lebanon.

The Irish Defence Forces have been serving with the United Nations on peacekeeping duty for more than forty years.

Seventy-seven Irish soldiers have died in the course of their peacekeeping duties. Most lives have been lost in Lebanon where the Irish army has been stationed with UNIFIL since 1978.

The village of Baraachit has been at the centre of intensive crossfire in recent days between Hezbollah guerrillas and the Israeli-backed South Lebanese Militia.

The frontline village of Baraachit where an Irish peacekeeping battalion is stationed is just six miles north of the Israeli border.

Commandant Philip Brennan, UNIFIL, describes the most recent attack which hit the group of Irish soldiers at the United Nations post 6-42. Two soldiers were injured and a medical team was immediately dispatched to their aid. On their arrival, it was discovered that Private William (Billy) Kedian from Ballyhaunis was dead. Private Ronnie Rush was seriously injured but is in a stable condition. Both men were members of the first Irish speaking battalion based at Renmore Barracks in Galway.

Office Commanding Lt Col Martin Coughlan described the feeling of great sadness at Renmore Barracks and praised the bravery of the men who served in Lebanon.

The government also expressed its shock at the attack on the Irish post. Minister for Defence Michael Smith expressed his sympathy to the family of Billy Kedian.

The Irish Forces serve in South Lebanon under a UN mandate. It’s not acceptable that they should be attacked in this way and we will be treating this with the utmost seriousness.

The minister said all diplomatic channels will be used to deal with the matter. He praised the efforts and sacrifices made by the Irish Defence Forces for the sake of peace.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 31 May 1999. The reporter is Jim Fahy.

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