On the entrance wall of an orphanage in the southern town of Tibnin, a painted leprechaun smiles at visitors. Further down the hall, pictures of Irish President Mary McAleese posing with the orphans spot the walls of the main office.
Troops patrol the border and maintain the peace when they can.
But their job is also to provide humanitarian aid and the Irish battalion has gone over and above their call of duty to involve themselves in the lives of the people of Tibnin, where the Irish battalion is based. But in 1990, thanks to the relentless support of the Irish battalion, the orphanage once again opened its doors to the children. We are forever indebted to them. Barely a few minutes drive from Shamrock, the Irish battalion base camp, stands the humble four-storey orphanage, equipped and supported by grants from the Irish government and personal donations from the Irish soldiers. From electricity, water, fuel and salaries, to food, clothing, beds and appliances, the children's needs are all met by the Irish donations.