'One of life's true gentlemen': Tributes paid after death of Defence Forces sergeant

Sergeant Robert 'Bobby' Rooney served in the Defence Forces for 19 years

A Defence Forces training officer described by friends as “one of life’s true gentlemen” has died.

The Defence Forces confirmed the death of Sergeant Robert “Bobby” Rooney in an official notification of death in service issued on Monday morning.

It stated: “It is with great sadness that Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that the death has occurred of Sergeant Rooney.” 

Defence Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said Sgt Rooney’s death would be felt across the organisation.

“Sgt Bobby Rooney's tragic death will be felt by the entire Defence Forces family," he said.

“I wish to extend my condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sgt Rooney.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” 

Sgt Rooney had served in the Defence Forces for 19 years. He enlisted in 2007 and spent much of his career at the Defence Forces Training Centre, initially serving with the Air Defence Regiment until it was disbanded in 2012.

He later served at the Military College at the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, and with the 1 Mechanised Infantry Company — the army’s largest and only permanently mechanised unit — also based at the Curragh.

He was a member of staff at Training Installation Staff Coolmoney (TISC) in the Glen of Imaal, where troops routinely train before deploying on overseas peacekeeping missions.

Sgt Rooney deployed overseas with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as with the European Union Military Operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR).

Tributes were paid online following news of his death. On Facebook, a friend wrote: “That’s a tough one, one of life’s true gentlemen.

“A really good guy and a talented sportsman. Will be sorely missed.”