On his return from the Golan Heights mission, Private Kevin Phelan had a special surprise for his girlfriend Lena Murphy.

Lena was shocked when her boyfriend got down on one knee and asked her to marry him:

Private Phelan, and the rest of the contingent of Irish troops who came under attack during their United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights, returned home yesterday evening to a warm welcome.

The 130 Defence Forces personnel were met by their families and friends on their arrival at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin.

The 44th Infantry group completed a six month tour of duty in the disputed territory, during which they came under fire while trying to rescue their Filipino colleagues.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney described the actions of the Irish forces in the Golan Heights as "nothing short of heroic."

The deployment of their replacements, who flew out yesterday morning, was delayed for two weeks over safety concerns.