#BeckettReturns - As LÉ Samuel Beckett (P61) docked in Haulbowline, Co Cork yesterday, sailors were reunited with families just in time for Christmas, after a successful mission in the Mediterranean which involved saving the lives of 1,088 migrants.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Tony Geraghty said the crew got in the festive spirit in the last few days of their mission with a full-scale Christmas playlist on rotation on board the ship.

“The atmosphere on board has been fabulous the last couple of days. People smiling from ear to ear. People playing Christmas music. We were playing ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ by Chris Rea earlier today. That was fabulous. It’s a great day. It is a really important day for the families.”

For much more The Irish Examiner has the story accompanied by photos of crew members meeting families at the naval base, click here.