Cork native ‘proud and privileged’ to lead mission in final trip overseas as Defence Forces chief

The commander of the Irish Defence Forces has spoken of his pride at leading the organisation during his last overseas trip in the role.

Cork native Lieutenant General Seán Clancy hosted Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris on his first visit to Camp Shamrock in his role on Wednesday, and praised Mr Harris for demonstrating by coming to Lebanon as a “very clear, strong message of support from government” for the families of those serving, “doing their job in very difficult circumstances”.

Lt Gen Clancy, originally from Mitchelstown in North Cork, first joined the Irish Defence Forces as a cadet in 1984, and served in the Air Corps where he spent a considerable portion of his career as a search and rescue pilot.

Chief of Staff

He went on to become chief of staff in September 2021, and is set to leave in June to take up his appointment as chairman of the European Union Military Committee.

Speaking to media at Camp Shamrock, he said: “I am very proud and privileged to have served and lead the men and women of Oglaigh na Eireann, I always have been.

“My most comforting times is when I visit troops here and in other places around the world, what they give me in terms of sustainment in doing my job, knowing that we are doing the right thing, I could never repay, and I am very privileged to be a part of that.” 

He added that he is “moving away but not going away”.

“We’ll see what the next chapter is.

“The one thing I do love is being with the men and women all the time, it’s my favourite part of the day.

“That I will miss but I’m sure there will be other opportunity in the future — I am moving away, not going away,” he said.

Praised

Lt Gen Clancy also praised the work of Irish peacekeepers during the recent escalation of tensions in south Lebanon.

“Our role and our purpose here is first and foremost to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in building a stronger security base here, and through that build the basis for future peace.

“Our 125th battalion are doing extraordinary work.

“At the time, we all know that we held our positions and we held the sovereignty of Lebanon in our hands in effect at that time, and right now, our battalion are carrying out that work in supporting the LAF, civil community, and in every way that they can monitor, observe and reporting back which is their primary purpose.”