'Sadness and shock' as tributes pour in for Dundalk soldier killed in Lebanon

Tributes have poured in for Dundalk member of the Defence Forces Private Sean Rooney who was killed in an attack on a UNIFIL convoy while on UN Peacekeeping duty in Lebanon overnight.

Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú expressed his shock and sadness at the death.

The Dundalk TD said he had been made aware of the death of the 24-year-old earlier this morning and he extended his deepest sympathies to Private Rooney’s family and friends.

He said he was aware that Private Rooney’s family in Dundalk has deep connections to the Defence Forces, with two uncles and a grand-uncle serving with distinction in the 27th Battalion.

In addition, Private Rooney's late father was a member of the Defence Forces.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: 

"This was shocking and very sad news to wake up to this morning and it is a terrible loss to the Rooney family and Seán’s friends.

"My thoughts today are with his family, his friends, the members of the Defence Forces, particularly those based at Aiken barracks. 

"I am also thinking of those who were injured, particularly Private Shane Kearney who is in a critical condition in hospital.

"Ireland has an incredible reputation abroad in UN Peacekeeping work but they work in dangerous circumstances and they risk their lives for peacekeeping.

"There will be an investigation about what happened in Lebanon, but today is a day to think of Private Rooney and to send solidarity and support to his family in Dundalk and Donegal and to the members of the Defence Forces who are devastated at this news."

Louth Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, has also expressed his heartfelt condolences.

The Louth Deputy said: 

 “I was deeply saddened to hear the news that an Irish soldier who was stationed in Dundalk has lost his life whilst on peacekeeping duty.

“This brave soldier made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and he will be remembered as a hero.

“I would like to convey my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased, who are in all of our thoughts at this time.

“Our thoughts are also with the other soldiers who were seriously injured in the incident last night, the entire country is thinking of you.”

Local GAA club Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG added to the tributes saying: 

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken to hear of the tragic death of young Sean Rooney last night in Lebanon.

“The Rooney family are well known and the epitome of what our community stands for. 

“We would like to offer them our support and sincere condolences during this very difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Natasha, grandparents Eugene and Rachel, uncle John, aunt Tara and cousin Eugene.

“Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dílis”

Meanwhile, local Fianna Fail Councillor Sean Kelly said it was a “dark day in our town”

“Dundalk has lost one of its own. He was abroad representing his country and Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces with pride. 

“It’s a dark day in our town. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, his colleagues and the wider Defence Forces family at this difficult time. 

“We are all thinking of you. Private Sean Rooney paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. We won’t forget him. 

“Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.”

Louth Senator Erin McGreehan also expressed her condolences saying:

"I share with everyone in Ireland, my utmost sorrow at the loss of a young man serving his country and the United Nations overseas.

"I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Private Rooney for the terrible loss they have suffered.

"To the wider Defence Force family and to all those who serve overseas,  the weight of this loss is heavy, the loss will be felt so deep. Thank you all for your continued service. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

On behalf of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin expressed their deepest sympathies to the family: 

The Archbishops said:

“Private Seán Rooney was serving with the 121st Infantry Battalion in the cause of world peace.  Private Rooney’s bravery, honor and commitment to peace will never be forgotten. 

"We offer our prayers for the happy repose of Private Rooney’s soul, and for peace and consolation of his family, loved ones and to the wider community of the Defence Forces. 

"We also remember in our prayers the injured Private Shane Kearney and his family at this time.

“This tragic event, coming as it does so close to Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, reminds all of us of the work and sacrifices that our Defence Forces, and their families, are asked to make on our behalf to promote peace and reconciliation in our world.”