Funeral details revealed for sadly missed Curragh soldier

Funeral arrangements have been released for the late Sergeant Robert “Bobby” Rooney who passed away suddenly on Sunday. 

Sgt Rooney, who was a native of Rathdangan, Co Wicklow and Hacketstown, Co Carlow, served in the Curragh Camp in Kildare. 

The Defence Forces said on Monday that it was with great sadness that Óglaigh na hÉireann announced the death has occurred of Sergeant Robert "Bobby" Rooney.

Sgt Rooney served for 19 years in the Defence Forces, enlisting in 2007.

At home, Sgt Rooney spent most of his career in the Defence Forces Training Centre, serving in the Air Defence Regiment, the Military College, 1 Mechanised Infantry Company and the Training Installation Staff Coolmoney (TISC), in the Glen of Imaal.

Sergeant Rooney is sadly missed by his fiancée Sarah, his son Billy, his parents Robert and Patricia, his brother Willie and his grandmother Mary. He is also remembered by the Rooney, Lawlor and Byrne families, his uncles, aunts, nephew Alfie, extended family, relatives, a wide circle of friends and his colleagues in the Irish Defence Forces.

He will be reposing at Halligan’s Funeral Home, Station Road, Rathvilly, on Wednesday from 2pm, with removal at 7pm for private reposal.

Funeral arrangements will see his cortege arrive at St Brigid’s Church, Hacketstown, on Thursday morning for 11am Requiem Mass, followed by burial in Hacketstown Cemetery.

Family flowers only are requested. The family requested that donations, if desired, may be made directly to Pieta House.

Overseas, Sgt Rooney has deployed to both UNIFIL, in Southern Lebanon and with EUFOR, in Chad.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, said: “Sgt Bobby Rooney's tragic death will be felt by the entire Defence Forces family.

"I wish to extend my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt Rooney.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”