Top dual player Dowdall heads for Lebanon

Decorated Clonkill hurler and St Loman's, Mullingar footballer Paddy Dowdall left Ireland today for a tour of duty with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Clonkill were knocked out of the Leinster Club SHC by Wexford champions Oulart the Ballagh yesterday, in what was Dowdall's last game in either code before heading to the Levant.

A member of the Defence Forces, Dowdall has numerous Westmeath SHC medals with Clonkill, and two SFC medals with St Loman's (2013 and 2015).

He skippered the Loughegar hurling club to the Westmeath Examiner Cup this year, and was an integral part of their 2008 All-Ireland Club IHC-winning side.

While his hurling year came to an end yesterday, Dowdall's departure for Lebanon is blow to St Loman's, who continue their Leinster Club SFC campaign this Sunday with a semi-final against Ballyboden St Enda's.

The teak tough soldier has led by example for Luke Dempsey's charges at centre back this year.

In addition to playing hurling (club and county) and football (club), Dowdall also trains Clonkill's senior camogie team.

"Anyone with involvement in our club knows how committed Paddy is to training our girls, how generous he is with his time, and what an incredible example he is to every player in the area. No doubt the hurl and sliotar will make an appearance in Lebanon," Clonkill Camogie Club said in a statement today.

UNIFIL is an ongoing United Nations which was set up to supervise the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in 1978, and to restore peace and security in the area, with the Irish camped at Tibnin.