An Irishman has been killed whereas combating in Ukraine, his household has confirmed.
Rory Mason, 23, from Dunboyne in Co Meath, died whereas combating for Ukraine’s Worldwide Legion close to the Russian border.
The Mason household learnt of his dying from the Division of International Affairs, which is offering consular help.
The household stated they’re involved with representatives of the Worldwide Legion for the Defence of Ukraine, for which he enlisted final March.
Mr Mason’s household stated that info on his dying is restricted and their precedence at this level is to repatriate his stays.
His father Rob stated: “Rory was a personal younger man of drive, goal and conviction.
“Although we’re deeply saddened at his dying, we’re enormously happy with his braveness and dedication and his selflessness in instantly enlisting to assist Ukraine.
“Rory was by no means political however he had a deep judgment of right and wrong and an lack of ability to show the opposite manner within the face of injustice.
“He had a long-standing curiosity in jap Europe, in journey, and in studying new languages, together with Russian.
“Those that fought alongside Rory communicate of ‘a really courageous and brave man who may have left at any time however selected to not’.
“Within the phrases of a colleague who served with him, ‘Rory was a person who from a look may appear shy, nevertheless when it got here to actions and character he proved repeatedly he was a person of fortitude, precept and honour’.
“Rory was our son and we are going to miss him enormously. As our household continues to be attempting to come back to phrases with Rory’s dying, we might attraction for privateness at this tough time.”
Earlier than becoming a member of the Worldwide Legion, his household stated he had been working in Germany to assist fund his journey ambitions.
A local of Dunboyne, he attended Dunboyne Nationwide College and St Peter’s School, Dunboyne.
In an announcement, the Worldwide Legion stated: “Our brother in arms, Rory Mason, has taken half within the Kharkiv counter-offensive along with his unit and was killed in motion. Whereas conducting operations, the unit got here beneath assault.
“We’re involved with the household and in co-ordination with them, following their needs and directions, the Worldwide Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are dealing with the repatriation course of.
“At the moment, to guard operational safety and the household’s privateness we can not launch extra info.
“Rory’s reminiscence will reside on in his unit, within the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“We’d ask for the household’s privateness to be revered at this tough time.”
The Taoiseach stated his ideas and prayers had been with the Mason household.
Talking at Authorities Buildings in Dublin alongside the Surroundings Minister and the Tanaiste, Micheal Martin stated: “The Mason household have requested for privateness and I respect that.
“It’s very, very unhappy, {that a} younger 23-year-old ought to die on this conflict. Our ideas and prayers are with the household proper now.
“I’m reluctant to make remark within the context of his passing that may in anyway be perceived as a judgment. Individuals make particular person selections of their lives for the perfect of causes.
“We now have suggested folks to not go to Ukraine. We proceed with that recommendation.
“People who find themselves not in any form or type educated in a navy manner or have any navy expertise for my part shouldn’t become involved within the conflict from a navy perspective… however for the subsequent variety of days it’s for the household to mourn their son who they cherished and had been very proud.”
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar stated Ukraine was a really harmful place at current however he revered that some folks will make that call.
“I want to lengthen my condolences to Rory Mason’s household, to his associates and wider group in Dunboyne who’re very shocked on the information at present,” he stated.
“I feel conflict ought to by no means occur however typically folks select to combat and anybody on the Ukrainian facet of the conflict are combating the nice combat and we shouldn’t neglect that.”
Surroundings Minister Eamon Ryan stated: “I agree. Our ideas are before everything with that household and their horrible loss and I feel to mark that and recognise that’s what we should always do now.”
Talking to reporters in Co Donegal, Minister for International Affairs Simon Coveney stated that he hoped the household’s request for privateness can be revered.
“Can I simply categorical my condolences and sympathy to the household, I spoke to Rory’s father this morning, the household have requested for privateness and I hope folks will respect that.
“It is a tragic lack of a son, an awfully courageous and principled younger man.
“However however, it is a tragic dying and the household wish to be given the area to mourn and I hope that individuals will respect that, definitely I’ll.”
Mr Mason is survived by dad and mom Rob and Elizabeth and a 22-year-old brother and 21-year-old sister.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe stated the household’s grief has been heightened by the circumstances of his dying.
“I’m very aware of the truth that there’s a household grieving for the time being, which have misplaced a cherished member of their household in circumstances that we are able to hardly think about,” Mr Donohoe stated.
“I’m certain that grief is simply heightened by the circumstances through which it occurred, and by their lives being touched by an unlimited, vicious conflict.
“The Division of International Affairs is offering all assist that we are able to to the household on this dreadful, dreadful lack of life.
“My condolences exit to them, and we are going to give them and their household any assist that we can provide on this horrible second of loss.”