A photograph of an Irish soldier seriously injured in a gun attack that resulted in the death of one of his colleagues has been released this evening.
Trooper Shane Kearney from Killeagh, Co Cork, was seriously injured in the same attack that resulted in the death of Private Sean Rooney from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal while both men were on peacekeeping duty in Lebanon.
Two armed vehicles, carrying eight people, were travelling to Beirut when the convoy came "under small arms fire", according to a statement from the Defence Forces, and four peacekeeping soldiers were hit.
Private Sean Rooney, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, passed away while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the overnight incident.
Pvt Rooney was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
He joined the Defence Forces in March 2019 and his home unit is the 27 Infantry Battalion in Dundalk, Co Louth.
He previously served overseas with the 119 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL.
Private Rooney was just 23.
Meanwhile, Trooper Shane Kearney from Killeagh in Co Cork, was seriously wounded in the action.
Trooper Kearney has undergone surgery and is in a "serious condition", according to an earlier statement.
The 22-year-old 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.
Two other soldiers are being treated for minor injuries at Raee Hospital, near Sidon, after the incident.
Footage filmed from a local balcony showed the moment the convoy came under fire.
The Irish Defence Forces issued a statement earlier on Thursday morning confirming the death of Pvt Rooney, without naming him.
It read: "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.
"On 14 December 2022 at approx 2115hrs (Irish time), a serious incident took place involving members of 121st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL.
"A convoy of two (2) Armoured Utility Vehicles (AUVs) carrying eight (8) personnel travelling to Beirut came under small arms fire.
"4 personnel were taken to Raee Hospital, near Sidon as a result of the incident. One soldier was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and another has undergone surgery and is in a serious condition. The other two soldiers are being treated for minor injuries.
"The remaining 4 personnel from the convoy were not injured and are safe & accounted for. The names of personnel are not being released at this time, but the families of those involved have been informed. A full investigation will commence into this incident."
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