Dundalk soldier Seán Rooney remembered as Micheál Martin visits Lebanon

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin has paid tribute to Private Seán Rooney on a visit to Lebanon.

Mr Martin laid a wreath at a monument in Tebnine. The monument is dedicated to Irish peacekeepers who have lost their lives while on duty and now bears the name of Private Rooney.

Members of the 121st Infantry Battalion of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with whom Private Rooney was serving, met with Mr Martin.

The Tánaiste said: “Private Rooney’s death was a shocking reminder to all of Ireland of the risks taken by each and every one of you, in discharging your duty and maintaining our country’s proud record and reputation.

“I can say with confidence that the outpouring of sympathy and support for Private Rooney and his injured colleagues in Óglaigh na hÉireann is a true expression of the regard in which you are held and a reflection of the pride of the Irish people in what you do.

“This tragic event has brought home to all of us the fragility of peace here in Lebanon and the tragedy that war and conflict can bring to so many innocent people.”

Mr Martin urged soldiers to seek the support if required and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

He said: “The Government is absolutely determined that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone will be left unturned.

“I will meet both the Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence and I will impress upon them the need to ensure that the Lebanese investigation is as thorough and complete as possible.”

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, met with Mr Martin and said: “Renewed my condolences for the loss of Private Sean Rooney. Suaimhneas Síoraí Air. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery, especially Trooper Shane Kearney who suffered serious injuries. Accountability for this act must be ensured.

A 24-year-old peacekeeper, Private Rooney was shot dead when the vehicle he was driving came under attack in the Al-Aqbieh area of south Lebanon on December 14.

Private Rooney was a native of Dundalk and had lived in Newtown for the last decade.