Archbishops express deep sympathy on the death of Private Seán Rooney RIP

15 Dec 2022

On behalf of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin express their deepest sympathies to the family of Irish Defence Forces’ Private Seán Rooney RIP who was tragically killed on peacekeeping duty last night in the Lebanon.

The Archbishops said, “Private Seán Rooney was serving with the 121st Infantry Battalion in the cause of world peace.  Private Rooney’s bravery, honour and commitment to peace will never be forgotten.  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.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

  • Archbishop Eamon Martin is President, and Archbishop Dermot Farrell is Vice-President, of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference                                      

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