Louth County Council members observe moment's silence for Pte Seán Rooney

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Conor Keelan, called for the suspension of standing orders at the Council's monthly meeting on Monday, to allow members express sympathy and observe a moment's silence in honour of Dundalk soldier, Private Seán Rooney, who was killed on active service when his convoy came under attack in Lebanon last week.

Cllr Keelan told the meeting his thoughts were with Pte Rooney's mother Natasha, his grandparents Eugene and Rachel, his uncles who were also member's of the Irish Army and his fiance Holly. Cllr Keelan also called to mind Pte Rooney's friends and army comrades, in both the 27th Infantry Batallion and those comrades he served with while in Lebanon, as well as Pte Shane Kearney from Cork who was injured in the attack.

Several other memebers also shared their thoughts and condolences at the meeting. Cllr Kevin Meenan said that it was a very sad day for the community in Muirhevnamor. “I know Rachel and Eugene quite well, and the extended family.” There is a huge amount of support around the family at the moment and hey really welcome that.

He said that the family are proud of what Seán had done, as well as the community in Muirhevnamor, and that he epitomised Dundalk and Muirhevnamor.

Cllr Maria Doyle spoke on behalf of the Fine Gael party, saying that it was the most devastating news for them to receive. She said that that while other young people would be coming home for Christmas from places like Australia, his remains were being repatriated, and she expressed her sympathies with his family.

Cllr Sean Kelly spoke on behalf of the Fianna Fáil party, expressing his sympathies with the family, adding that Pte Rooney represented everything that was great about Dundalk and never caused any trouble to anybody.

Cllr Marianne Butler also passed on her heartfelt condolences, to his family, his army family and his fiance, mentioning that it was not the first time such a tragedy befell a Dundalk family.

Condolences were also expressed by Cllr Pio Smith, who said that Pte Rooney's death brings home the challenges that the Defence Forces face on peace missions and that we owe them a debt of gratitude.

Cllr Paddy McQuillan said that it was a horrific incident and such a tragedy for the family, adding that the pictures of Pte Rooney's coffin would stay in the memory for a long time.

Chief Executive Joan Martin also expressed her condolences on behalf of management and staff in Louth County Council, at the meeting, saying that it was a terrible tragedy and a terrible crime. “We all know that soldiers put their lives on the line and can be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice but we always hope that it will never happen.

Ms Martin mentioned that the Council has a very close relationship with the 27th Batallion in Dundalk and it has reached out to help in whatever way it can. The Chief Executive added that she also wanted to offer on her best wishes to those injured and traumatised “by the terrible event”.

Following the contributions from members and the executive, members stood for a moment's silence before the meeting proceeded.