It will be a special Christmas for those attached to Aiken Barracks and their families as over 140 Dundalk soldiers make final preparations in advance of their deployment to Chad in January.

The troops will be sending precious time with their families ahead of their four month tour of duty to the African country.

A spokesman explained that this is the single largest contingent from Dundalk to depart on overseas duties.

'Before departing the troops will be on parade in the centre of Dundalk on Tuesday January 12th for a full Ministerial Review.'

Meanwhile, three Dundalk soldiers already serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in Chad with the Irish Defence Forches send their Christmas wishes to friends and family at home through The Argus.

Sgmn Garrett Dermody, Cpl Brian Corrigan and Cpl Chris Callan all from Dundalk are currently serving with the 101st Infantry Battalion in Chad and are due to return home in February.

- Olivia RYAN