PRIVATE SEAN ROONEY

869674 Pte Seán Rooney was born on the 16th of November 1998, a native of Dundalk Co. Louth. Seán was born into a renowned Defence Forces family and spent his early life surrounded by strong connections to the Defence Forces. It is no surprise therefore, that Seán's aspiration in life was to be a soldier. After attending a local school, Seán's wish to become a soldier was realised in March 2019 when he enlisted in the Defence Forces to undertake his induction training in Gormanston Camp. On completion of his recruit training and his 3* training he was then posted to 2 Cav Sqn, 2 Bde and it is here

Seán displayed his love for his career by completing several Corps specific courses. Prior to deploying on his first tour of overseas duty in November 2021 with 119th Inf Bn, UNIFIL, Sean exemplified what a young soldier should be; he was prolific in maintaining his physical fitness, engaged wholeheartedly with unit esprit-de-corps and became widely qualified in the requisite suite of driving courses, up to and including LTAV and AUV driving, amongst others. Seán took particular pride in his participation in Presidential Escorts of Honour as a member of 2 Cav Sqn.

In the early stages of his career, Seán was widely regarded as the 'model soldier' - someone who epitomised the Defence Forces values, both in conduct and in character. That Seán was courted for Potential NCOs Courses and career progression, did not surprise those who knew this incredible young soldier. After completing his first tour of overseas duty, Seán transferred 'home' to the 27 Infantry Battalion where he gravitated naturally towards Support Company and hoped to add to his already impressive complement of qualifications.

In transferring to the 27 Inf Bn, Seán was able to return to live in his native Dundalk where he was a passionate supporter of Glasgow Celtic, his adopted club of Derry City FC, and was proud of his local community roots. More importantly however, this move allowed him to spend time with his adoring grandparents Rachel and Eugene Sr, and it is in this way that Seán is best defined - as a family man first and foremost. Seán was a devoted fiancé to Holly with whom he had planned to travel, marry and begin their own chapter in life; he was the sweetheart of his mother Natasha with whom he shared a particularly close bond and was influenced by his proud father Paul, who guided Sean to become the fine person that he was. It is a testament to Seán's caring nature that he naturally developed into a role model for his young sister Robyn, of whom he was so lovingly proud.

Pte Seán Rooney died while on overseas service with the 121st Inf Bn, UNIFIL, on the 14th of December 2022, when he sadly lost his life in the service of peace.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.