Kildare native Robert Deegan, 29, was killed while fighting in Ukraine in September.Facebook
Robert Deegan, the former Irish soldier who was killed while fighting in Ukraine in September, will be honored at a celebration of life in his native Co Kildare this Saturday, December 14.
Deegan, of Newbridge and Athy in Co Kildare was killed on September 17 while fighting with Ukrainian forces in Vovchansk.
A December 9 post on RIP.ie says that the ceremony for the Irish 29-year-old will be hosted this Saturday at 12 noon at Newbridge Bible Life Church in Liffey Lodge, Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
After the Church ceremony, buses will take military, ex-military, and friends to give a final salute to Deegan on the Hill of Allen.
After the salute to Deegan on the Hill of Allen, all are invited to Maloney's Pub in Newbridge for refreshments.
Deegan's family thanked everyone for their "immense support, which enabled them to travel to Ukraine to bring Robert's remains home."
29-year-old Deegan was fatally wounded on September 17 while fighting for Ukraine.
A former member of the Irish Defence Forces, Deegan became a member of the elite Army Ranger Wing in 2017. In Ukraine, he was a member of Special Unit Stugna, a special forces unit involved in complex and dangerous missions.
The Irish Times reported that before his death, Deegan was awarded a medal for bravery by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in recognition of his service recapturing Kupiansk.
In a statement issued after his death, Deegan's family said they are "extremely devastated for the loss of Robert," adding that he "made the ultimate sacrifice while staying true to his principles and character."
"Robert should be remembered as a hero who died protecting his comrades in battle while fighting for a principled cause," the statement continued.
“He was severely injured in Ukraine in 2022 and lost an eye due to an IED strike.
"Once he recovered, he went back out to the Ukraine war against the family's wishes.
“Robert embodies the definition of determination, honour, loyalty, and bravery.
“He stayed behind to cover his comrades' retreat.
“He fought and died like a warrior.
“He will be forever remembered in our hearts."
Following the Kildare man's death, a GoFundMe was launched to assist Deegan's family with repatriation costs. The GoFundMe, which is no longer accepting donations, raised €32,315.
Robert Deegan. (GoFundMe)
Deegan is believed to have been the fifth Irish person to have been killed fighting in Ukraine.
Rory Mason, 23, from Dunboyne in Co Meath, was killed in action while fighting in the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine near the Russian border in September 2022.
45-year-old Finbar Cafferkey, from Achill in Co Mayo, died near Bakhmut, Ukraine in May 2023.
Graham Dale, from Raheny in Dublin, died fighting in Pervomaiske, Ukraine last December.
In August, Alex Ryzhuk, a 20-year-old from Dublin who had been fighting in Ukraine, was presumed dead following a suspected Russian drone attack.