'A hero of Ireland' - Tributes paid after Kildare soldier killed in combat in Ukraine

Newbridge native Robert Deegan died last Thursday while retreating from an area of Ukraine which had come under attack from Russian forces

Tributes have been paid online following news of the death of a former Irish soldier from Newbridge in combat in Ukraine.

The Mirror confirmed 29-year-old Robert Deegan died last Thursday while retreating from an area of Ukraine which had come under attack from Russian forces.

He was a member of a special forces unit there, involved in complex missions.

It does not appear he 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, Mr 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 is the fifth Irish person to be killed in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

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.