Hundreds of soldiers took part this morning in a farewell parade in Dublin for the Irish officer who commanded European troops in Chad over the last 18 months.
Lieutenant General Pat Nash is retiring after 45 years in the Defence Forces.
Watch an interview with General Nash
As the Paris-based operational commander of EUFOR troops in Chad from October 2007, General Nash supervised the huge logistical challenge of deploying peacekeepers in the country.
Members of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps took part in this morning's ceremony in McKee Barracks.
The Government has awarded General Nash the highest military honour, the distinguished service medal.
The Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said the General's diplomatic, communication and negotiating skills were central to the success of the mission in Chad, which was taken over by the UN in March.
Last month, General Nash received the French Légion d'honneur from President Nicolas Sarkozy.
