Kildare tributes to soldier Seán Rooney (24) killed in Lebanon

Local tributes have been paid to an Irish United Nations (UN) Peacekeeper who was killed in Lebanon last week.

Private Seán Rooney (24) was shot and killed when the armoured vehicle he was travelling in was attacked in a village in southern Lebanon.

Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said the huge loss had a significant impact on the Defence Forces’ community across Kildare.

She said: "It has rocked us all to the core. As a community we know only too well the fear and worry associated with friends and families being deployed abroad."

Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry, who previously served with the Irish Army Ranger Wing, also paid his respects to the family, friends and colleagues of Pte Rooney.

Dr Berry said the tragedy could have ended up 'much, much worse' than it was if the vehicle the unit was travelling was not heavily armoured at the time.

He also told RTÉ’s The Week in Politics on Sunday that he believed that it is 'very important' for Ireland to remain involved in UN peacekeeping operations: "It (the Irish mission) is doing its job, it is containing the conflict, it is maintaining stability, and it is providing the space for a political solution, if a political situation is achievable.

"We saw what happened in Northern Ireland when the politicians got together, there was a Good Friday Agreement: we need the equivalent of the Good Friday Agreement for the Middle-East."

Sharing an image on his Twitter account of Pte Rooney’s coffin being carried by his colleagues , the TD said: "There is a difference between a comrade and a colleague. For those who have experienced it, no explanation is necessary; for those who have not, no explanation is possible."

Fianna Fáil’s Senator O’ Loughlin also paid tribute to the late soldier, calling his death a 'huge loss.'

The Senator also said: "We think of them (the Defence Forces) today, and I would ask that each of us reach out and support our friends who have loved ones abroad at this very difficult and traumatising time.

"We as a community are incredibly proud of each and every soldier who puts themselves in harm’s way, especially our own Defence Force personnel at the Curragh.

"The call that Seán’s family received is the nightmare of many Defence Force families in South Kildare, and around the country.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and the families of those injured."

UPDATE

Speaking to the Leinster Leader today, Dr Berry said about the incident which claimed Pte Rooney's life: "It is a very tragic outcome. 

"Any suggestion that the Irish UN vehicle was either separated or isolated is immaterial; there can be absolutely no justification nor equivocation for what happened."

He continued: "Let’s call it what it was: it was murder and attempted murder, plain and simple.

"The perpetrators must be handed over to Lebanese authorities immediately for questioning."

Dr Berry concluded: "Ireland must now mobilise and exercise all its political and diplomatic clout to bring these gunmen to justice; Pte Seán Rooney and his family deserve no less."