Friends of Private Seán Rooney have described a supportive friend and dedicated soldier who “will never be forgotten”.
They were speaking as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, laid a wreath at a memorial that honours Irish peacekeepers who have died in Lebanon.
The memorial in Tibnine now bears the name of Private Rooney, who died in an incident in Al-Aqbiya last month.
Private Rooney was a native of Dundalk and had lived in Newtowncunningham for the last decade.
A former student at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, he served with the 27th Infantry Battalion in Dundalk.
Private Seán Rooney, RIP
Speaking to RTÉ News, Captain David Kelly of 2 Cavalry Squadron recalled a friend who challenged him to a 10km race on their first meeting, saying he was kind and funny.
Trooper Alex Tate, also of 2 Cavalry Squadron, said Private Rooney was a great guy who was dedicated and committed to the Defence Forces.
Trooper Tate said he will always be remembered by those that knew him and served with him.
Captain Kelly said supports were in place to help those affected by December’s tragedy and provide reassurance to families back home.
The memorial in Tibnine, Lebanon, now bears the name of Private Rooney.
Mr Martin called the death of Private Rooney a “shocking reminder” of the risks taken each day by members of the Irish Defence Forces.
Mr Martin said that he was conscious that the troops he was visiting had lost a comrade and a friend and said it was to their immense credit that they had continued to perform with the professionalism that had come to be expected from the Defence Forces in the weeks since the attack.
He urged those affected to seek help and support if they needed it in light of the 14 December attack.
The Tánaiste said he wished Trooper Kearney well in his continued recovery.
Minister Martin said the events in December had shown that peace is fragile and cannot and should not be taken for granted.
“Like so many things, it is hard won, but easily lost,” he said.
Paying tribute to Private Rooney today, the Officer Commanding the 121st Battalion, Lt Colonel Damien Murphy, said his sacrifice would never be forgotten.
He said the shock and devastation felt by the unit at the events of December remains.
Lt Col Murphy thanked the Irish people for the tremendous support he and his troops have been shown in recent weeks.
He said the last six weeks had been extremely challenging for Irish troops in Lebanon and he asked that people keep in their thoughts the family of Private Rooney, as well as Trooper Shane Kearney, who was injured in the incident.
Later today, Mr Martin will meet both the Lebanese ministers for foreign affairs and defence.
He said would impress upon them that the Lebanese investigation into what happened in December needs to be as thorough and complete as possible.
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