BREAKING: Soldier who died in tragic skydiving accident named locally as Newbridge man

A member of the Defence Forces who died in a tragic skydiving accident has been named locally as Declan 'Doc' O' Connell.

The Newbridge man was sadly killed in a parachuting accident in Spain while off-duty.

The Defence Forces confirmed the death in a statement on Sunday, and added that his family members have been informed of the news.

Declan was a member of Sarsfields GAA Club, who paid tribute to him in a post on Facebook: "Sarsfields GAA are devastated to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of Declan (Doc) O' Connell.

"Doc was a valued member of our club. His playing time spanned many years up to very recently: he coached both underage teams and adult teams.

"He was an all around gentleman, gifted musician and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him in Sarsfields."

Sarsfields GAA continued: "The club offers our sincere sympathies to his partner Audrey, daughter Niamh, his parents Mary and Iggy, his sister Denise and all his extended family, his colleagues in the Army and anyone who was privileged to call him a friend.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam."

The Chaplaincy Service of The Irish Defence Forces also paid tribute to Declan on Facebook: "It’s with great sadness that the Chaplaincy Service has learned of the death of CS Declan (Doc) O’Connell from DFTC who died tragically in a parachuting accident in Spain while off duty yesterday.

"We offer prayers for his eternal rest and for comfort and consolation for his partner and family at this time of tragic loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

"Funeral arrangements to follow in due course."