Defendants ‘convicted in Beirut’ of killing of Irish peace keeper in 2022

Defendants “have been convicted” in Beirut of the killing of an Irish peacekeeper in 2022, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs has said.

Sean Rooney, 24, from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, was killed when a convoy of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping force was ambushed and fired upon on December 14 2022.

The shooting happened near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah.

Pte Rooney, from the 121 Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, was killed.

On Monday, Simon Harris said he had been informed of the completion of a military tribunal in Beirut for those indicted for the murder of Pte Rooney.

“I welcome the conviction of the main defendant and a number of the other defendants, who had not previously been in court,” he said.

“While noting the sentence handed down to the main defendant, I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Pte Rooney’s family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today.

“Sean Rooney made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble pursuit of peace. This is a difficult time for his family and his colleagues, especially those who were injured that night. All our thoughts are with them at this time.”

The Tanaiste said he pressed the case during his visit to Beirut in March during meetings with the Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence.

“I raised, in the s­­trongest terms, my deep frustration at the slow pace of proceedings before the Lebanese Military Tribunal concerning those charged with Pte Rooney’s killing,” he said.

“I appreciate, therefore, the efforts of the court to bring forward the hearing date from September to today.

“During my visit to Beirut, I left the Lebanese ministers in no doubt as to the absolute determination of the Irish Government to ensure that those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice.

“I want to express my appreciation to my officials, members of the Defence Forces, Ireland’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Ireland’s Honorary Consul to Lebanon, and the Department’s Lebanese lawyer, all of whom attended today’s hearing along with a member of Sean’s family.”

He added: “Finally, I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Private Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief and all my thoughts remain with them at this time.”