Soldiers in Syria to honour Private Seán Rooney with fundraising challenge

Irish soldiers in Syria will undertake a fundraising venture in memory of the late Private Seán Rooney this week.

Peacekeepers serving with the 66th Infantry Group UNDOF will take on the David Goggins Challenge and run four miles every four hours for 48 hours.

The challenge, which will raise money for The Mater Foundation, has been organised by Jonathan Deegan and has raised almost €4,000 already.

Their attempts begin on Friday and will see members run a 1km loop for a total of 12 runs equalling 78km - just short of two marathons.

Castle Murray House goes up for sale

The Dunkineely property - chosen by Hollywood actor Paul Ruud for his stag party in 2014 - is in an idyllic setting overlooking McSwyne's Bay near St John's Point

The event will be completed at 980m above sea level on the Golan plateau.

Deegan says the Defence Forces members in Syria want to pay tribute to their fallen comrade, Private Rooney.

“His tragic and untimely death has left a huge hole in the hearts of his family and of his friends, many of whom are members of 66 Infantry Group,” he said.

“During his short life Seán was a devoted fundraiser for a charity that provided care and support to his grandmother Rachel: The Mater Foundation.

“We have come together and want to show our brothers in arms that we have them in our thoughts and prayers, but what is more, is that we wish to prove that support.”

A 24-year-old peacekeeper, Private Rooney was shot dead when the vehicle he was driving came under attack in the Al-Aqbieh area of south Lebanon on December 14.
Private Rooney was a native of Dundalk and had lived in Newtowncunningham for the last decade. A former student at St Eunan's College in Letterkenny, Private Rooney served with the 27th Infantry Battalion in Dundalk.

He was laid to rest in Newtown with full military honours and investigations into the killing remain ongoing.