Former Defence Forces chief dies

The former Defence Forces Chief of Staff Dermot Earley has died, it was announced today.

The 62-year-old passed away following illness.

General Earley retired from the Defence Forces on June 13. He played Gaelic football for Roscommon for 20 years (1965 –1985) and was the holder of five Connaught Senior medals, two All-Star Awards, one National League medal (1979), one U21 All Ireland Medal (1966), an All-Ireland runner-up medal (1980) and two Railway Cup medals.

He is survived by his mother Kitty, his wife Mary, his sons David, Dermot and Conor, his daughters Paula, Ann-Marie and Noelle, his daughter-in-law Sinead, his grandson Oisin and by his brothers Paul and Peter, and his sisters Margaret and Denise.

A military funeral will take place for Lt Gen Earley, the details of which will be announced later.

The current Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean McCann says he is deeply saddened by the news and described him as an iconic figure.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Lieutenant General Dermot Earley," he said.

"He was a man of exceptional personal qualities, who made an enormous contribution to the Defence Forces throughout his 44 years of distinguished service.

"He was a hugely talented officer, whose personal charm and charisma, together with his extraordinary leadership skills, won him universal respect and admiration throughout the organisation and the entire country.

"He was an officer of keen intellect who focussed his many talents and abilities on modernising the Defence Forces and on enhancing the reputation of the organisation both at home and overseas.

"An iconic figure, General Earley represented the Defence Forces, both nationally and internationally, in a manner that instilled pride and confidence in those he commanded.

"General Earley was a gifted sportsman and a man of unique interpersonal skills, whose conduct was the very essence of inspirational leadership.

"On behalf of the Defence Forces, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Mary and to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis.”