Archbishops express their deepest sympathies to Private Rooney’s family
Louth County Council is today opening a book of condolence for Private Seán Rooney, the young Dundalk man who was killed while undertaking Peace keeping duties in Lebanon). TArchbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin have also expressed their deepest sympathies to Private Rooney’s family.
Pte Rooney, 23, was a past pupil of Gael Scoil Dun Dealgan in Muirhevnamor and the Marist Secondary School and is well known and mourned by many friends and family in Dundalk town and area.
Having joined the Irish Defence Forces in March 2019, Private Rooney’s home unit is the 27 Infantry Battalion, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk. He quite recently served overseas with the 119th Battalion UNIFIL. He comes from a family with very strong connections to both the 27th Infantry Battalion and Aiken Barracks and who are hugely respected in the Community.
The book of condolence will be opened initially in County Hall, Dundalk by the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Conor Keelan and Chief Executive Joan Martin early this afternoon. Both a physical book and an online book will be opened to allow all who wish to do so to pay their respects.
Physical Books of condolences will then later this afternoon be opened in each of Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk Municipal Districts by respective Cathaoirligh Cllrs Paula Butterly, Michelle Hall and Kevin Meenan, and all will be available at the following locations from 4pm this afternoon:
- County Hall, Dundalk
- Ardee Library
- Tholsel Drogheda
- Dundalk Town Hall
Speaking on the loss of Private Rooney, the Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan said “Aiken Barracks is an integral part of Dundalk town’s past and present. The town is in shock at the loss of Seán Rooney a young man with so much to give. My sincere sympathies go to his family both here and in Donegal, his army family and all in Dundalk who knew him and will miss him.”
The Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin offering sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Pte Rooney, also wished to extend her sympathy “to all those serving past or present in Aiken Barracks who will feel this loss immensely.
“Louth County Council holds close ties with Óglaigh na hÉireann in Aiken Barracks, and we are aware of the deep bond soldiers there have with each other. They are more than just colleagues, they are family. My thoughts are also with those other soldiers injured in the attack and particularly Trooper Shane Kearney who we all hope and pray will recover well.”
On behalf of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin have also expressed their deepest sympathies to Private Rooney’s family.
“Private Seán Rooney was serving with the 121st Infantry Battalion in the cause of world peace. Private Rooney’s bravery, honor and commitment to peace will never be forgotten” they said.
“We offer our prayers for the happy repose of Private Rooney’s soul, and for peace and consolation of his family, loved ones and to the wider community of the Defence Forces. We also remember in our prayers the injured Private Shane Kearney and his family at this time.
“This tragic event, coming as it does so close to Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, reminds all of us of the work and sacrifices that our Defence Forces, and their families, are asked to make on our behalf to promote peace and reconciliation in our world.”
