The Irish Defence Forces have given a positive update on the health of Trooper Shane Kearney who was injured in the same Lebanon ambush that killed his colleague Sean Rooney.
The UN peacekeeper landed back in Ireland on a special medical aircraft on December 21 so he could continue treatment after being hurt in the December 14 attack.
The Defence Forces released a statement today saying Trooper Kearney's condition has improved.
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"Tpr Shane Kearney continues his recovery in Beaumont hospital.
"He is responding very well to treatment and is no longer critical with his condition now described as stable.
"The medical staff are satisfied with his continued and steady progress.
"The Defence Forces and Tpr Shane Kearney’s family wish to thank everyone for all the support that they continue to receive."
The 23-year-old Cork native sustained blunt force trauma to the head when the armoured UN vehicle he was travelling in was attacked in the coastal village of Al-Aqbiya last month.
The convoy was en route from their UNIFIL base to Beirut Airport for a flight home.
Two vehicles containing Irish peacekeepers heading home on compassionate leave became separated with one then surrounded by an angry mob.
Shots were fired at the Irish vehicle – with Pte Rooney being killed after being struck in the head. His vehicle then overturned.
Tpr Kearney was left with critical blunt trauma injuries to his head.
He was first cared for in a hospital in Sidon and his condition was described as critical before he was flown home. He is from Killeagh in East Cork and is based at Collins Barracks in Cork city, attached to the Cavalry Squadron.
Three other Irish personnel suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The Iranian-linked Shia militia group, Hezbollah, insisted it was not involved in the incident which it said was “unintentional” and apparently caused by local issues.
Lebanese officials believe the attack was a mistake – with locals possibly confusing the Irish convoy for other military forces.
Tpr Kearney has since undergone two emergency surgeries – and stunned doctors with his recovery.
Hundreds attended a special vigil at Killeagh’s Church of St John the Baptist last month with a major turnout from Killeagh GAA and other clubs as well as the Defence Forces, Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Irish United Nations Veterans Association.
Killeagh Parish Priest Fr Tim Hazelwood said everyone was praying for the recovery of a young man who was liked and admired throughout the East Cork community.
He added: “When things are tough, God is by our side and that is our prayer for Shane.
“We also remember the Rooney family and the terrible loss they have suffered.”
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