Robert Deegan the former Irish soldier who was killed fighting in Ukraine was described as a freedom fighter, a protector, a Christian, loyal, utterly fearless and a warrior in battle.
The 29-year-old’s life was celebrated in a special service at the church where he was baptised and often visited.
Hundreds of mourners attended the Newbridge Bible Church in Co Kildare to pay tribute to the 29-year-old, the youngest soldier ever to qualify for the elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW) when he was admitted in 2017, three years after joining the Defence Forces.
He was killed on September 17th on the frontline in Vovchansk while covering the retreat of his unit.
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He joined in 2022 shortly after the start of the war but later that year lost an eye in a bomb and was evacuated home. He returned to Ukraine but died in combat.
At the funeral service, his brother Ricky – an Air Corps Commandant – described Robert as a freedom fighter.
“He believed he was fighting a just war against the Russian occupation of Ukraine. He fought for freedom. He hated bullies and he felt Russia was bullying Ukraine. He even had the Irish word ‘Saoirse’ for freedom, tattooed on his arm.
[ The final days of Robert Deegan, a former Irish special forces soldier in UkraineOpens in new window ]
“He was a protector. He protected his family at all costs. His daughter Ali was the key to his heart and the love of his life.
“He was a Christian. He held a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His faith in God grew stronger and stronger as his time in this earthly existence narrowed.
“He was loyal. He’d always had your back in any situation, good or bad. He was that guy you could call at 3am for help, no matter the odds, he would be there defending you, on your side.
“He was utterly fearless. He was a warrior in battle. He as always first in the door and always last out. He always volunteered for the most difficult and dangerous missions.”
After the eulogy, the song the Bonga Bong by Manu Chao was played. It was “the last song Robert and I listened to in his car before he departed for Ukraine”, his brother said.
At the start of the ceremony Paddy Casey’s Saints and Sinners was played while during the ceremony family friend John Downey sang The Parting Glass.
Mr Deegan’s parents John and Rachel and brother Ricky were joined by his daughter Ali (5) and extended family, along with former military colleagues and friends. Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland Larysa Gerasko was also among the mourners, as were former Army Ranger Wing members Ger Reidy, Robert Stafford and Ray Goggin who present RTÉ's Ultimate Hell Week.
At the church, the urn containing Mr Deegan’s ashes were surrounded by photographs of him along with military and sports awards he had received. His army uniform and tags with Ukrainian badges were also displayed alongside a number of floral bouquets.
They included flowers from a Ukrainian woman who travelled from Drogheda with her son. She said she did not know Robert but speaking through her tears said she wanted to pay tribute to his sacrifice for Ukraine.
Community pastor Gerard Corcoran, who led the ceremony, said Robert had “the quiet confidence of the competent soldier”. He gave the young soldier his copy of the “Warrior’s Bible” which was also displayed at the church.
When Robert returned from his first tour in Ukraine “the marks and scars were evident, the physical ones as well as the psychological and deeper ones”.
But he said “I believe Rob has found the way. His journey is over. He has found the truth. It’s not Valhalla. He’s in heaven.”
His best friend from childhood Joe Brannigan described him as “the most amazing friend anyone could hope for. He was loyal, he was funny, he was charming, he was incredibly intelligent and he could light up a room with his smile and laughter.”
The ceremony ended with the playing of Valhalla Calling by Miracle of Sound.
After the ceremony, the funeral cortege made its way to the Hill of Allen for a final salute. Mourners hiked a mile-long path to the top of the hill, surrounded by bike trails Robert and his friends had created over numerous summers.
Piper David Ussher played the Minstrel Boy and Wrap the Green Flag Around, leading the family to the top of the hill where a memorial tree was planted.
His father John, a former Army Ranger Wing member told those gathered that his son was not the reckless character of a TV action hero film but a philosopher and deep thinker.
When the day came for him to sacrifice himself for others he was ready to serve.
Mr Deegan recited from the poem The Fallen Soldier.
The last post was sounded before the piper played the lament The Curragh of Kildare and wreaths were laid in honour of a fallen soldier.
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