Former Irish soldier, 29, killed while fighting in Ukraine

Robert Deegan from Newbridge in Co Kildare was fatally wounded while fighting for Ukraine last Thursday, September 19.

In a statement issued on Monday, 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."

The Irish Times reported on Monday that Deegan, a former member of the Irish Defence Forces, had become a member of the elite Army Ranger Wing in 2017.

In Ukraine, Deegan was a member of Special Unit Stugna, a special forces unit involved in complex and dangerous missions.

The Irish Times added on Monday that it was unclear whether Deegan's remains had been recovered by his Ukrainian colleagues, though several sources in Ireland said they believed those efforts were still underway.

Speaking with Virgin Media News on Monday, Independent TD Cathal Berry, who had been speaking with Deegan's family, said the "details are still quite sketchy" surrounding Deegan's death but that it is believed to have happened around Kherson.

Berry added that after Deegan retired from the Defence Forces about four years ago, he worked as a firefighter in Ireland for a period.

"I guess the reason he went to Ukraine is he recognizes that the only way to stop Putin's army is to stop Putin's army; it's not going to stop on its own, it's not going to stop voluntarily, it has to be stopped and he's appeared to have paid the ultimate price for that."

Tributes Paid to Irish Man Killed Fighting in Ukraine

For more, watch @ZaraKing on #VMNews at https://t.co/fYl4wEHFGP #RobertDeegan #UkraineWar #Ireland #DefenceForces #Tributes pic.twitter.com/NGajcLUmMR

— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) September 23, 2024

Meanwhile, the Arcane Cycling Club in Co Kildare paid tribute to its former member.

"Robert was an immense talent on the bike, having excelled as a Junior on the Road, before representing Arcane as a Senior on the track," the club said.

"A very popular member of the team, Robert is remembered fondly by all who raced with him."

Deegan is believed to be 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.