Minister O'Dea sympathises with Holly family

Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley have offered their condolences to the family of young soldier Aidan Holly, who died tragically yesterday in Spain.

A native of Tarbert in Co Kerry, 23-year-old Aidan joined the Defence Forces in July last year and had successfully completed his full course of military training.

He was based in the 4th Battalion in Collins Barracks, Cork and was abroad on official leave when the tragedy occurred.

"The thoughts of all members of the Defence Forces are with the Holly family at this very difficult time," today's statement from the Department of Defence said.