Hundreds of men and women are away from their families this Christmas as they serve with the Irish Defence forces.
424 soldiers are in 15 different countries around the world serving on various overseas missions.
The majority are in Syria and Lebanon – they got a visit from the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Defence Minister Simon Coveney this week.
Kilkenny man Major General Kieran Brennan is Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Staff -he says some will get home to their families for the festive season.
But for those who don’t, he says they try to celebrate the day as best they can while going about their duties.
