Tánaiste expresses condolences to family of Newbridge man who died in Spain

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mícheál Martin, has expressed his condolences to the family of Defence Force member Declan O’Connell, on his passing after an accident yesterday.

Newbridge native Mr O’Connell was undertaking a civilian parachute instructors course in Spain, in a private capacity, on Sunday when the tragedy occurred.

”On behalf of the Government, I wish to express my deepest condolences to Acting Sergeant Major Declan O’Connell’s family, his Defence Forces colleagues and all those who knew him.

“It is so difficult to find the most appropriate words to express the terrible loss experienced by Declan’s family, friends and colleagues in these moments of grief and suffering.

 “Declan was an Acting Sergeant Major at the Defence Forces Training Centre and his loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him.

"The Defence Forces are providing support to Acting Sgt Maj O’Connell’s family and colleagues, and my thoughts are with all those impacted. May he rest in peace.

 "Ni bheidh a leithead aris ann.”