LIMERICK soldiers based in Chad celebrated Christmas early as they received packages from home.
Corporal Tom McCarthy, who is stationed at Camp Ciara in the south of Chad, said: “We received our Christmas boxes from our families, which was a great boost for everyone.
“It was like Christmas morning opening up presents and seeing the boxes full of sweets and chocolate…it was great. I don’t think anyone has kept their gift box for Christmas”.
Tom is part of Limerick’s 101st Battalion who recently travelled to the village of Harouich, 60km from Camp Ciara. “It took six hours to get there that’s around 10km an hour with the terrain we travelled on.
“It was the worst I have ever seen.. we had to cross over rivers which were completely dried up, which made them very sandy and extremely difficult to pass in the Mowag”.
They have just six weeks left in Chad. “The days are getting hotter but the nights are nice and cool”.
He sent Christmas wishes from Chad. “All the lads serving here would like to wish family and friends and all the people in Sarsfield Barracks a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year”.
