Tributes flood in for Donegal solider killed on peacekeeping duty

Tributes have begun to flood for the Donegal solider who tragically lost his life while on peacekeeping duty last night.

Newtowncunningham man Private Sean Rooney was killed after he and members of 121st Infantry Battalion, Unifil, were attacked at about 9.15pm Irish time in a village just south of Beirut.

He joined the Defence Forces in March 2019, and his home unit was the 27 Infantry Battalion in Dundalk.

The Defence Forces said four of those on board the convoy of two armoured vehicles carrying eight personnel were taken to Raee Hospital, near Sidon, around 43km from Beirut.

Private Rooney was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while the other peacekeeper - named as 22-year-old Private Shane Kearney - is in a serious condition and has undergone surgery.

The other two wounded soldiers are being treated for minor injuries.

Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District and Newtowncunningham-based councillor Paul Canning said there was "deep shock" in the close-knit community today.

"There is a sense of deep shock in the village today," Cllr Canning said. "It's just awful news to hear so close to Christmas, a young man losing his life while serving his country. It's very sad.

"I would like to extend my sad condolences to the family."

The Fianna Fáil councillor appealed to the public to "respect the privacy of the family, to let them mourn in peace at this terribly sad time".

Paying tribute, Donegal TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn said there is "deep sadness across Ireland" at the "heart breaking" news of the death of Private Rooney.

"We are immensely proud of our Defence Forces who have served our country over the years in UN peace keeping missions.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sean’s family and with the other injured soldiers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," he said.

Speaking in the Dáil Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle joined with others to offer condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Private Rooney.

Deputy Pringle said: “My thoughts are with Séan’s family at this time. I know it is devastating news to get for his friends and comrades in the Defence Forces too.

“We have a proud tradition in Ireland of service on peacekeeping missions, especially so in the Lebanon where Irish soldiers have served for over 40 years.

“The impact of Séan’s death will be felt in the community of Newtowncunningham and across Ireland as a whole.”