Tributes paid to former Irish elite soldier Robert Deegan (29) killed in action in Ukraine

Robert Deegan (29), from Newbridge, Co Kildare, was killed fighting for Ukrainian special forces on the frontline on Thursday 19 September.

The Kildare man was a highly trained soldier who served in the Army Ranger Wing and the Engineer Unit at the Defence Force Training Centre.

Mr Deegan is believed to have joined the Ukrainian effort to fight the Russian invasion shortly after the outbreak of war in 2022. However, he suffered serious injuries in an explosion later that year and was medically evacuated home to Ireland.

After undergoing rehabilitation, Mr Deegan was “determined to return to Ukraine” and was “deeply committed” to the Ukrainian cause, one source said.

In his younger days Mr Deegan was a highly regarded cyclist and represented Ireland at international level.

A source in Newbridge described Mr Deegan as a “great young man”.

“His family must be very proud of him and themselves for raising such a selfless man.”

“You could always tell there was something different, something quite special about him,” the source said.

“I haven’t seen him for a long time, but I heard he was back in Ukraine and I remember thinking how difficult it must be for his poor mother.

“Now that they hear this news, it’s heartbreaking. But they should be proud of him and themselves for raising such a selfless man.”

It appears his family is steeped in public service and has a long history in the defence forces.

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed that it was providing consular assistance.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the reports and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the ministry does not comment on the details of individual cases,” the spokesperson said.

Today’s news in 90 seconds – September 23

Mr Deegan’s death brings to five the number of Irish people killed in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

In December 2023, Dubliner Graham Dale (45) was killed in action while fighting for the Ukrainian army.

Mr Dale, who had dual Irish-American nationality, had previously fought with the US Marines in the Iraq War.

He is originally from Raheny, north Dublin, but moved to the United States in 2000.

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, he enlisted in the Marines and served several tours of duty in Iraq.

In April 2023, Finbar Cafferkey (46), from Achill, County Mayo, was killed while fighting Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.

He was a military volunteer with previous combat experience in Syria, where he helped the Kurdish militia in its fight against the Islamic State.

In a statement after his death, Mr Cafferkey’s brother Colm paid tribute to a man who was always “fair-minded, strong-willed and fearless”.

“He was in Ukraine to help the Ukrainian people, as he would have helped any person in the world who was under attack. I loved him and always admired his clear-headed courage,” the statement added.

In October 2022, Rory Mason (23), from Dunboyne, Co Meath, died while fighting for the Ukrainian International Legion near the Russian border.

In August 2024, Alex Ryzhuk (20), from Rathmines, Dublin, was killed while serving as a volunteer in the Ukrainian army.

He was killed on the front line in eastern Ukraine.

Mr Ryzhuk was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents.