Pte Sean Rooney’s coffin carried out of Co Louth Church by Irish Army colleagues
To his mother Natasha, he gave purpose and pride. To his fiancée Holly, he gave irrevocable love. To his grandparents and little sister, he gave adoration.
No amount of words could describe the kindness of the young peacekeeper whose life was cut short at the age of 24 last week in an ambush in Lebanon.
The soldier was applauded as a national hero during his funeral mass this morning at the Holy Family Church, Dundalk.
His mother Natasha McCloskey said Seán’s life was awash with good deeds.
“I don’t have the words to express my love for him and my pride as I look around at everyone today here for Seán.
“Not because he is a national hero, I am more proud of the kind and loving person that Seán was. He was the most beautiful baby, the most gorgeous boy and most handsome man you will ever meet That is a fraction of what he was on the inside.
“I will love you forever son, and I cannot wait to be reunited with you in heaven.”
Ms McCloskey told mourners how Seán gave her life meaning from the moment he was born.
“Seán was placed in my arms when I was 16 years old. He gave me purpose. I wanted to do better for Seán. I wanted to finish school for Seán. I wanted to go on to third level education for Seán, to buy my house for Seán. I wanted Seán to have a mother that he could be proud of.
“In his life he gave me purpose, in his death I will find new purpose. I promise my son I will stay strong to take care of Robyn. I promise we will try our very best to strengthen our faith and that of Robyn’s so we can be reunited with Seán in Heaven.”
Holly wrote: “Growing up I never understood why people called their partner the other half. As my relationship with Seán advanced it became clear, Seán is not only my other half, he’s my better half.
Seán Rooney and Holly McConnellogue, his fiancee, were due to marry next August
“His presence immediately made me feel at ease, and he would always protect me and make me feel safe. He was an extremely driven person, he knew what he wanted in life. He loved his job in the army, he loved his running and he always looked after himself.
“He admired and adored his mother, his dad and especially Robyn.
“He ensured to always tell me how proud he was of everything I achieved in life.
“I am absolutely heartbroken that our life together has been cut short, but I feel extremely lucky to have experienced a person and love.
“Some people don’t ever have an opportunity to love and be loved in the way that Seán and I did. So I feel absolutely honoured that I have been afforded three wonderful years with him.”
Fr Derek Ryan spoke of how Seán was immersed in family life both in Dundalk and in Newtowncunningham.
“It breaks the human heart when a loved one dies serving their country for the important work of peacebuilding,” Fr Ryan said.
“It breaks all our hearts.”
At the church altar, the Irish tricolour and a UN flag were draped over Pte Rooney’s coffin in tribute to his service. Members of the 27th Infantry Battalion served as escorts and pallbearers.
“Sean, your duty is done a chara, you have earned your rest,” said Fr Ryan.
Pte Rooney’s funeral Mass and burial are being given full military honours today, with the village of Newtowncunningham prepared and waiting for the arrival of his cortege this afternoon.
The remains will then be taken to All Saints Catholic Church in Colehill for a burial service at Newtowncunningham cemetery, where soldiers will perform a three-volley gun salute.
Among the mourners at today’s mass were President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD.
Representing the defence forces were Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Pte Rooney’s company commander Commandant Brian Connolly, 121 Irish Battalion Recce Company, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Coakley, Commanding Officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion in Dundalk, and Jacqui Mc Crum, Secretary General, Department of Defence.
Irish troops in Lebanon and Syria were united with Pte Rooney’s comrades at the 27th Infantry in Dundalk this morning as they watched the Funeral Mass online. Around the world, the Irish flag is being flown at half-mast at Irish embassies as a mark of respect.
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