The Minister for Defence has expressed sympathy on the death of a soldier who died after falling from a height at McKee Barracks, Dublin early this morning.
In a statement the Defence Forces said Private Patrick (Paddy) Conlon (32) died in a tragic accident at the barracks which is near Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7.
The soldier was pronounced dead in the Mater Hospital at 2.10am. He was based in the 28th Infantry Battalion, Co Donegal but lived at Cooloney, Co Sligo
Alan Shatter said he wished to express his “ deepest sympathy to the family of Patrick Conlon at this sad time.” He extended condolences to his parent Heather and Christopher, his partner Louise and his brothers Michael and Daragh on their “sudden loss”.
He also extended sympathies to his colleagues in the Donegal batallion.
Military support and chaplaincy services have been in contact with Private Conlon’s next-of-kin.
Sympathies to the Conlon family and their friends were extended today by Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Seán McCann. “our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time,” the statement said.
Gardaí and the military police are investigating the incident.