An Irish soldier has been killed and a second seriously injured in a serious incident in Lebanon.
It followed an attack on Irish personnel who were travelling in a convoy of armoured vehicles.
The Defence Forces can confirm the names of the individuals involved in this morning's incident while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Killed on Active Service - 869674 Private Seán Rooney. Private Rooney joined the Defence Forces in March 2019 and his home unit is the 27 Infantry Battalion in Dundalk. He previously served overseas with the 119 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL. Private Rooney was 23 years of age and was a native of Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal.
Injured on Active Service - 869471 Private Shane Kearney. Private Kearney joined the Defence Forces in October 2018 and his home Unit is 1 Cavalry Squadron in Collins Barracks Cork. He previously served overseas with the 117 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL. Private Kearney is 22 years of age and is a native of Killeagh, Co. Cork.
The Defence Forces says eight Irish soldiers were travelling to Beirut in two Armoured Utility Vehicles when they came under small arms fire just after 9 o'clock last night Irish time.
Four soldiers were rushed to Raee Hospital near Sidon. One was pronounced dead on arrival, and a second was rushed to surgery and is now in a serious condition.
The two others were treated for minor injuries, while the other four Irish soldiers were not injured and are safe and accounted for.
The names of those involved aren't being released by the Defence Forces right now, but their families have been informed.
It is with deep regret that Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm the death of one of our peacekeepers in a serious incident in Lebanon last night.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
1/4 pic.twitter.com/YrnFOVBjkV
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) December 15, 2022
In a statement, the Defence Minister says he learned of the death of the Irish soldier with 'profound sadness and a deep sense of shock'.
Simon Coveney has expressed 'utmost sorrow' on behalf of the people of Ireland and says a full investigation must be carried out.
President Michael D Higgins says he learned of the death of the Irish soldier with 'deepest sorrow'.
Statement by President Micheal D. Higgins on the death of a member of the Defence Forces serving on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon https://t.co/qGsWAqQ1nY
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) December 15, 2022
President Higgins, who is also Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, offered his condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the peacekeeper who died and wished a speedy recovery to the other personnel injured in the attack.
