Funeral takes place for soldier killed in Lebanon

Image source, Irish Defence Forces

Image caption, Three investigations into Pte Rooney's death are under way.

The funeral is taking place of an Irish soldier killed while on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

Pte Se谩n Rooney, 24, was in one of two armoured vehicles that came under fire while travelling to Beirut on 14 December.

The service is being held at The Church of the Holy Family in Dundalk, Co Louth.

His remains will be taken to All Saints Catholic Church in Colehill, County Donegal, for a burial service with full military honours later on Thursday.

Image source, Irish Defence Forces

Image caption, Pte Rooney was from Newtowncunningham in County Donegal

Pte Rooney was repatriated to Ireland on Monday following a UN ceremony to honour him in Beirut the previous day.

Three separate investigations are being conducted into the incident by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Lebanese authorities led by a military prosecutor and the Irish Defence Forces.

It is understood the soldiers' armoured vehicle was surrounded by a mob and fired on while travelling to Beirut at about 21:00 on 14 December.

Another soldier who was seriously injured in the same attack was returned home to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

Trooper Shane Kearney, who suffered a head injury, was flown by a medical aircraft from Beirut Airport to Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, then taken to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

Trooper Kearney is in a stable condition, the Irish Defence Forces have said.