LAST UPDATE | 23 Sep
A FORMER MEMBER of the Irish Defence Forces who died in combat in Ukraine last week was a former member of the elite Army Ranger Wing, The Journal has learned.
Robert Deegan served with distinction in the elite special forces unit before later leaving the Defence Forces.
He’d been a firefighter in Ireland for some time before going to Ukraine two years ago, where he was injured while fighting. He’d returned to combat with the country’s forces after receiving treatment in Ireland.
Robert, who was 29-years-old, died last week. He comes from an established Defence Forces family – his father and other relatives also served in the Irish forces.
A spokesperson for the Deegan family said that they are “extremely devastated for the loss of Robert. He made the ultimate sacrifice while staying true to his principles and character.
“Robert should be remembered as a hero who died protecting his comrades in battle while fighting for a principled cause. He was severely injured in Ukraine in 2022 and lost an eye due to an IED strike. Once he recovered he went back out to the Ukriane war against the family’s wishes.
“Robert embodies the definition of determination, honour, loyalty and bravery. He stayed behind to cover his comrades’ retreat. He fought and died like a warrior. He will be forever remembered in our hearts.”
Kildare South TD Cathal Berry, who has been in touch with his family, said Robert was committed, motivated and professional during his time with the Defence Forces.
He also said that the Department of Foreign Affairs will now try to verify information they have, find Robert and bring him home.
“That’s an open question at the moment. It’s not very clear whether this is entirely technically possible or not,” he told Virgin Media News.
A spokesperson for the Department said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of reports and is providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.”
Asked about the former soldier’s death in New York following a speech to the UN last night, President Michael D Higgins said he wished to send his condolences to the man’s family and that his death was a “terrible tragedy”.
Four other Irish men have also died fighting in Ukraine since the war broke out in February 2022.
Last month, Alex Rhyzuk (20) from Rathmines, Co Dublin, went missing and is presumed dead.
Graham Dale from Raheny and Finbar Cafferkey from Acaill, Co Mayo, both died while battling Russian forces in Ukraine.
Rory Mason, 23, also died fighting with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The native of Dunboyne, Co Meath, was fighting in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border when he died.
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