Sean Rooney, from Newtwoncounnigham, Donegal, served in the Irish Defence Forces. Last week’s convoy strike killed him. The 24-year-old soldier served in Lebanon on December 14. His armored automobile burned, killing him. An Irish soldier’s UN peacekeeping assignment death broke his family’s hearts. Sean Rooney—what happened? His family’s reaction?
Sean Rooney—What Happened?
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Sean Rooney killed in a Lebanon assault. Private Sean Rooney died in the country’s UN peacekeeping operation on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. On December 14, his armored automobile caught fire, killing him. On Thursday, December 22, 2022, Dundalk’s Holy Family Church held the Irish soldier’s funeral.
Aiken Barracks in County Louth, where he was stationed, received the casket after the burial. The funeral cortège buried him at Newtowncunningham, County Donegal. The 27 Infantry, where Pte Sean Rooney served, carried the casket from the hearse to a gun carriage. One bagpiper played as the procession departed All Saints Catholic Church towards the cemetery.
The casket was dropped with 21 rounds from the 21st Infantry Battalion. Natasha and Paul Rooney, grandparents Eugene and Rachel, grandma Ann McCloskey, and his fiancée Holly said their goodbyes at the graveyard. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Michael Martin, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, and Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy attended. The family of wounded UN peacekeeper Shane Kearney attended the event.
Sean Rooney’s Parents, Paul and Natasha,
Sean Rooney’s parents are Paul and Natasha McCloskey. His grandparents Eugene and Rachel. The late soldier’s grandma is Ann McClusky. Priest Fr Derek Ryan told mourners that Sean Rooney’s death broke his family and close community. The trooper’s mother eulogized her peacemaker son.She couldn’t express her love and pride in Sean. The bereaved mother said Sean gave her purpose and inspired her. The church applauded McCloskey’s declaration that Sean Rooney is a national hero.
Holly McConnellogue, Sean Rooney’s fiancée
Next year, Sean Rooney and his lovely girlfriend Holly McConnellogue were to marry. In a painful message read by the priest Ryan, Holly said she understood why people termed their lovers their other half as her relationship with Sean progressed. Holly always felt comfortable with Sean. She believed the soldier would have been a great spouse and father. Sean Rooney’s girlfriend said their lives was cut short. She was grateful for Sean and his devotion.
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