BREAKING: Defence Forces releases update on Trooper Shane Kearney

The Irish Defence Forces (DF) has released an update in relation to the condition of Trooper Shane Kearney.

Back in January, the Leinster Leader reported that Private Kearney, who was injured in an ambush in Lebanon which resulted in the death of Pte Seán Rooney in December 2022, was no longer in critical condition.

Speaking today, a spokesperson for the DF said: "Shane Kearney is returning to Beaumont Hospital today, Wednesday, 26 April, to continue with his medical treatment. 

"Shane will undergo cranioplasty surgery, which should hopefully be the final operation that he requires."

The spokesperson continued: "Shane has been recovering at home in Cork for the past two months and has been making steady progress to date. 

"All of Shane's colleagues in the Defence Forces are thinking of him at this time and are wishing him a speedy recovery. 

"The Defence Forces and the Kearney family ask all media outlets to please continue to respect Shane's privacy during this time," the spokesperson concluded.