There were emotional scenes in Dublin Airport earlier today as over 200 soldiers have arrived back in Ireland from Lebanon.

After a six-month peace-keeping mission to the south of the country, the 122nd Infantry Battalion were welcomed at Dublin Airport by huge crowds of family members and friends. 

One soldier returning to Ireland said it has been a long six months. 

“It's been a long six months away from home – we did have leave and stuff, but it’s not the same,” she said. 

“Home is home at the end of the day.” 

Capt Paul Sheehan arrives home from Lebanon to his partner Denise Ryan and dog Dotsy from Co. Kilkenny at Dublin Airport this morning. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

One woman said she was “relieved” to be reunited with her partner. 

“After everything, I'm glad he’s back in Irish soil and we’re extremely happy to all be back together,” she said. 

The battalion had been deployed to South Lebanon, during which fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has intensified.  

While there, the infantry was in the middle of several exchanges of fire, including needing to take shelter in protected positions.   

Lieutenant Eoin Clancy of the Defence Forces the troops had been “monitoring the blue line between Israel and Lebanon. 

“They have been monitoring the current situation which has escalated,” he said. 

“Obviously with the recent hostilities since the start of October, families and friends have been worried and it’s great to have them home after a successful peace-keeping mission.” 

Before leaving, the infantry helped with handover missions with the new group of troops in the region.