431 Irish Soldiers are deployed to 16 countries across the globe this St Patricks Day, involved in 15 different peace support missions.

181 Irish Troops in South Lebanon celebrated St Patrick's Day with a blessing of shamrock, which was presented to the troops by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Conor O’ Boyle.

The 138 Irish troops deployed in the Golan Heights became the third Irish Defence Forces contingent to receive the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Medal this St Patrick's Day morning.

While in Sierra Leone, the 5 medical personnel deployed to the most recent Defence Forces mission to Kerrytown will be presented with their shamrock by the Irish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Sinead Walsh.

Other troops stationed in Congo, Western Sahara, Mali, Kosovo and Bosnia celebrated the event with a mix of formality and fun.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Conor O' Boyle stated:

"I have seen at first hand the professionalism and hard work of Irish men and women of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service deployed on operations and in some of the most troubled regions of the world.

"On this, our National day of celebration I thank you for your commitment to peace and security and assure you, of our enduring pride in your endeavours far from home."