THE heartbroken mother of Private Seán Rooney told mourners at his funeral mass this morning that there are no words great enough to express the love she had for her son.
His mother Natasha, dad Paul, his brothers and sisters, grandparents, fiancée Holly, and extended family and friends gathered in Holy Family Church in Dundalk.
The 24-year-old peacekeeper from Newtowncunningham was killed on active service on Wednesday last, when his convoy came under attack by an armed group in Al-Aqbieh during a routine journey to Beirut Airport.
Pte Rooney, 27th Infantry Battalion, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, was serving as part of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Paying tribute to her son Natasha said while he is a national hero she is more proud of the kind and loving person he was.
“There are no words that are strong enough, great enough to express the love I had for Seán and how proud I am of Seán,” said Natasha.
She spoke of having Seán at 16 years old and how his birth gave her purpose to finish school, go on to third level and to buy a house. She said he was the most handsome man but that was only a fraction of what was on the inside.
“I will love you forever Seán. I can’t wait to be reunited with you in heaven.”
Among the dignitaries present at the funeral mass was President Michael D Higgins as well as members of the Defence Forces.
Private Seán Rooney.
Fr Derek Ryan said when Seán was killed last week it pierced the heart of his family, the close knit community and the town of Dundalk.
“It is not talked about a lot but families who have sons and daughters serving abroad know the risks and dangers that are always present in the regions of conflict, peace building will always be a risky business,” said Fr Ryan.
“We call them peace keeping missions but sometimes they can be far from peaceful.
“It breaks the human heart when a loved one dies serving their country for the important work of peace keeping. It breaks all our hearts.
“I spoke with Seán before his first tour of Lebanon last year. It was a remarkable conversation about his future and his life. He gave me this lovely glimpse into his life in Newtowncunningham.
“He was immersed in family life. What struck me and what struck most people about Seán was his maturity. He was wise beyond his years. His family knew it and of course the Defence Forces knew it.”
Fr Ryan also read out a message from Seán’s fiancée Holly. She said Seán was not only her other half, he was her better half.
“I can say for certain he would have been a fantastic husband and an even better father,” she said.
“I am absolutely heartbroken that our life together was cut short.”
Seán’s remains will now be taken to All Saints Catholic Church in Colehill, Newtowncunningham, for a burial service with full military honours, arriving approximately at 3.45pm.
The car park at All Saints Catholic Church will be closed to the general public to give priority to the family, army personnel and dignitaries.
The funeral cortége will proceed along the road, on foot, from Kernan’s filling station towards the chapel. A 21-gun salute will take place in the field across from the graveyard.
Gardaí have said there will be some traffic disruption and there will be noise from the guns. Gardaí will be present to assist proceedings. People are asked to allow extra time for their journeys today.
The tricolour at half mast at Beechwood House Veteran Support Centre, Letterkenny.
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