LAST UPDATE | 12 hrs ago
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 …