A former elite Irish soldier has made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for Ukraine. Robert Deegan, 29, from Newbridge, Co Kildare, was killed in action on the front line on Thursday, September 19, while serving with Ukrainian special forces.
Deegan, a highly skilled ex-member of the Army Ranger Wing, had initially joined the Ukrainian effort shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Despite suffering severe injuries in an explosion that year and being evacuated to Ireland, his commitment to the Ukrainian cause never wavered. After rehabilitation, he returned to the conflict, described by a source as “laser-focused” on rejoining the fight.
The young soldier’s roots in public service run deep, with his family having a long history in the Defence Forces. In his youth, Deegan was also a talented cyclist who represented Ireland internationally.
A local source in Newbridge remembered Deegan fondly: “You could always tell there was something different, quite special about him. His family must be so proud of him and themselves for raising a man to be so selfless.”
According to the Irish Independent, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Deegan’s family but declined to comment further on the specifics of the case.
Deegan’s death brings the total number of Irish citizens killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to five. He joins the ranks of other brave Irish volunteers who have lost their lives supporting Ukraine, including Graham Dale, Finbar Cafferkey, Rory Mason, and Alex Ryzhuk.
As Ireland mourns another fallen hero, Deegan’s sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the selfless dedication of those who choose to defend freedom far from home.