‘There’s no place like home’ as troops cheer on Limerick from Lebanon

NOT EVEN ruby slippers will enable many of the 122nd Infantry Battalion to return home to the Emerald Isle for the All-Ireland final this Sunday. But when you can't come home to Limerick, you do your best to bring Limerick to you.

Deployed thousands of miles away in Lebanon, the troops’ longing to be part of the fervent atmosphere back in Limerick has been palpable, but hope is not lost for the contingent as they are determined to bring their county to them, even amidst their duties and responsibilities in the Middle-East.

With hearts firmly rooted in their county, Corporal Seanie Neville shared how their All-Ireland Sunday will unfold in the heart of Lebanon.

The day begins early at 6am with breakfast. The troops then engage in their daily routines, which include patrols, meetings, runs, training, and collaborating with the Lebanese army.

Two to three patrols fill the 24-hour period, a demanding schedule that requires careful time management. However, there's a glimmer of excitement amidst their responsibilities.

The throw-in for the final is scheduled for 5:30pm local time, and many of the troops will have their duties completed by then, meaning that during their well-earned downtime, they will gather to witness their county's favourite sport - hurling.

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While members of the Lebanese contingent won't be watching Hannon's men take to Croker, Seanie said that the Irish troops have taken the opportunity to explain the intricacies of hurling to some of their Polish counterparts who serve alongside them.

The corporal pointed out that a number of Limerick men, among them those who actively participate in local clubs back home, made sure to bring their hurleys all the way to the Middle-East, and whenever possible, seize the opportunity to have a puck around and find some sense of home.

Despite being far from the roaring crowds at Croke Park, the Limerick troops stand united in their support for the county's hurling heroes.

In the heart of the excitement surrounding the final, the verdict for Sunday's showdown remains elusive. Seanie laughs, “It's always a close game with Kilkenny - but once we come out on the right side of it, I don't care if it's one point or 10 points!”

As for the prestigious Hurler of the Year award, Seanie holds a firm belief that Aaron Gillane is the unequivocal choice. “If he doesn't win it, there's something wrong,” he chuckles.

Amidst a strict dress code, match days offer a delightful contrast for the Battalion, comprised of troops hailing from nearly every county. With pride, they don their jerseys, each soldier contributing a euro to Milford Hospice for the privilege.

As their attention turns to Croke Park, the Limerick troops prove that the spirit of home knows no bounds, and to that, they will raise their Heineken 0.0 to Kiely and his Treaty men.