More than 170 members of the Army have landed back in Dublin in time for Christmas.
The members of the 108th Battalion have just returned from a tour of duty in South Lebanon.
They had been working with the Lebanese Armed Forces, providing protection for citizens and patrolling.
Sergeant Jimmy Halyes from Finglas was among them, but admitted he was delighted to be home.
His son, Ryan, was born 12 weeks prematurely while he was away.
Halyes said "initially when I seen him he was 2lbs 7oz, then dropped down to 2lbs 4oz. I got home actually three time during the six months to see him. He's just over 12lbs now."
