Robert Deegan’s family said he died “like a warrior” protecting his comrades
Robert Deegan (29), from Newbridge, Co Kildare, was killed in action fighting for the Ukrainian special forces on the front line on Thursday, September 19.
The Kildare man was a highly skilled soldier who served in the Army Ranger Wing and the Engineers Unit of the Defence Forces Training Centre.
On Monday his family in a statement said Mr Deegan died “like a warrior” protecting his comrades.
“The family are extremely devastated for the loss of Robert. He made the ultimate sacrifice while staying true to his principles and character,” they said.
“Robert should be remembered as a hero who died protecting his comrades in battle while fighting for a principled cause.
“He was severely injured in Ukraine in 2022 and lost an eye due to an IED strike.
“Once he recovered he went back out to the Ukraine war against the family’s wishes.
“Robert embodies the definition of determination, honour, loyalty and bravery
“He stayed behind to cover his comrades’ retreat. He fought and died like a warrior.
“He will be forever remembered in our hearts.”
It is understood Mr Deegan joined the Ukrainian effort to combat the Russian invasion shortly after the outbreak of the war in 2022. However, he suffered extensive injuries in an IED strike later the same year and was medically evacuated home to Ireland.
After undergoing rehabilitation, Mr Deegan was “laser-focused” on returning to Ukraine and was “deeply committed” to the Ukrainian cause, a source said.
In his youth, Mr Deegan was a highly regarded cyclist and represented Ireland internationally.
A source in Newbridge described Mr Deegan as a “great young man”.
“His family must be so proud of him and themselves for raising a man to be so selfless’
“You could always tell there was something different, quite special about him,” the source said.
“I haven’t seen him in a long time but I did hear he was back in Ukraine and I remember thinking how difficult that must be on his poor mam.
“Now they get this news and it’s just heartbreaking. But they must be so proud of him and themselves for raising a man to be so selfless.”
It is understood his family are steeped in public service and have a long history in the Defence Forces.
A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of reports and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Deegan’s brings to five the number of Irish people killed during the war between Russia and Ukraine.
In December 2023, Dubliner Graham Dale (45) was killed in combat while fighting for the Ukrainian army.
Mr Dale, who had dual Irish-American citizenship, had previously fought with the US marines during the Iraq War.
He was originally from Raheny in north Dublin but moved to the US in 2000.
Following the September 11 terror attacks, he enlisted in the marines and served on a number of tours in Iraq.
In April 2023, Finbar Cafferkey (46), from Achill, Co Mayo, was killed while battling Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
He was a military volunteer with previous combat experience in Syria, where he assisted Kurdish militia in their battle against Islamic State.
In a statement after his death, Mr Cafferkey’s brother Colm paid tribute to a man who was always “fair-minded, strong-willed and unafraid”.
“He was in Ukraine to help the Ukrainian people, as he would have helped any person in the world who was under attack. I loved him and always admired his clear-eyed bravery,” the statement added.
In October 2022, Rory Mason (23), from Dunboyne, Co Meath, died while fighting for Ukraine’s International Legion near the Russian border.
In August 2024, Alex Ryzhuk (20), from Rathmines, Dublin, was killed while serving as a volunteer with the Ukrainian military.
Mr Ryzhuk was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents and was killed along the front line in eastern Ukraine where he was operating as a drone pilot.
