Injured UN peacekeeper Shane Kearney has landed back in Ireland on a special medical aircraft, so that he can continue to receive hospital care here.
The Defence Forces confirmed that Trooper Kearney, who was injured in the attack that killed his colleague, Private Sean Rooney, in Lebanon, arrived in Baldonnel, South Co Dublin at 5.40pm this evening.
He has now been transferred by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital to continue receiving medical treatment.
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The 23-year-old 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 week.
Tpr Kearney was flown from Beirut Airport to Dublin on a “specially equipped, contracted medical aircraft”, the Defence Forces said.
His parents, Paudie and Phil, and his sister, Amy, will be reunited with him at the hospital.
For the past week, he has been a patient in a hospital in Sidon and described as critical.
In a statement, the Defence Forces said that Tpr Kearney “is continuing to improve and he remains stable at present”.
On Monday, the body of Pte Sean Rooney, who was killed in the same attack, was repatriated to Ireland.
The funeral Mass for Pte Rooney will take place in Dundalk tomorrow. His remains will be removed to the Holy Family Church in the town for the service at 9am.
His remains will then be taken to All Saints Catholic Church in Colehill, Co Donegal, for a burial service with full military honours.
Separate investigations by the UN, Irish Defence Forces and Lebanese authorities are now under way into the incident at al-Aqbiya.
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.
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.
He is from Killeagh in East Cork and is based at Collins Barracks in Cork city, attached to the Cavalry Squadron.
Hundreds attended a special vigil at Killeagh’s Church of St John the Baptist last Thursday evening 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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