Body of 'hero' Kildare soldier Robert Deegan recovered from Ukraine frontlines

The 29-year-old Newbridge native and former Defence Forces member died in September while in combat with Russian forces in Ukraine.

A body believed to be that of former Irish soldier Robert Deegan, who was killed fighting in Ukraine last month, has been recovered by members of his unit near the city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region.

29-year-old Robert Deegan died on 19th September while retreating from an area of Ukraine which had come under attack from Russian forces.

The Newbridge, Co Kildare native joined the Ukrainian effort fighting against the Russian invasion in 2022, shortly after the start of the war. He was a member of a special forces unit there, involved in complex missions.

It does not appear the soldier had any ties to Ukraine before joining the efforts to fight Russia in 2022.

However, he had to return home in October that year as he was injured in an explosion and lost an eye as a result of his injuries but returned to help earlier this year following his recovery.

After undergoing rehabilitation, Deegan was “laser-focused” on returning to Ukraine and was “deeply committed” to the Ukrainian cause, a source told the Irish Mirror.

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. He passed basic training and joined the Irish Defence Forces in 2013, and served for a number of years.

In his youth, Mr Deegan was a highly regarded cyclist and represented Ireland internationally.

A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance.

Robert Deegan was the fifth Irish person to be killed in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

It is reported his remains were located on Wednesday by members of Stugna, the special forces unit Mr Deegan served with.

Tributes were paid online to the fallen soldier, with one condolence labelling him "a hero of Ireland", and calling for a State funeral for the Kildare man.

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