The family of Robert Deegan, a 29-year-old ex-Army Ranger Wing member from the Defence Forces, remember him as “a hero” who died valiantly during an attempt to protect his fellow soldiers in the Ukrainian Armed Forces from a Russian attack. Despite losing an eye in the conflict in 2022, Mr Deegan, against the pleas of his family who resided in Newbridge, Co Kildare, felt compelled to return to Ukraine.
The Deegan family, on Monday, shared heartfelt sentiments towards their deceased kin expressing immense grief over his loss. The Deegans, who have a long-standing history of service in the Defence Forces, praised Robert for his dedication to his values, resulting in him paying the ultimate price.
Robert’s heroism, they said, was evident in his decision to defend his comrades in battle, advocating for a cause he profoundly believed in. They described him as profoundly determined, honourable, loyal and courageous. After surviving a severe injury in Ukraine in 2022, Robert proved his resilience by returning to the war against his family’s advice. He showed true bravery by staying behind to enable his comrades to retreat and died fighting bravely.
Robert lost his life near the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv, while he was stationed at the front line last Thursday. Despite concerted efforts, his remains have not yet been recovered by his Ukrainian comrades; nevertheless, several Irish sources have indicated that attempts are ongoing.
Though Robert had no previous connection with Ukraine before the Russian invasion in February 2022, it’s clear he firmly believed in the need to defeat the Russians.
In October 2022, while on active duty in a vehicle, Mr Deegan was unfortunate to be part of an unforeseen bomb attack. As a result, he sustained grave injuries, including damage to his face leading to the loss of an eye. Following the incident, he was airlifted back to Ireland to receive medical attention and rehabilitation, before making his way back to Ukraine earlier this year. He served in Ukraine’s Special Unit Stugna, a special forces section responsible for intricate and perilous assignments.
In his younger years, Mr Deegan was an accomplished cyclist on road and track. He is tragically the fifth Irish native to have been killed in the Ukraine conflict since the country was invaded by Russian forces in February 2022. He is notably the first ex-serviceman from the Defence Forces to have died in the ongoing conflict.
Among the fallen, Alex Ryzhuk (20), from southern Dublin suburb Rathmines was killed in August. Alex, born to Ukrainian parents in Dublin, was brought up in Ireland. Graham Dale (45), another fatality, was from Raheny, Dublin. He had served in the US marines during the Iraq war after relocating to the US in 2000 and deciding to join the marines after the attacks on September 11th the following year.
Finbarr Cafferkey (46) from Achill, Co Mayo, was killed during an eastern Ukraine battle in April 2023. He had earlier joined the Kurdish militia in their fight against ISIS. Rory Mason (23), from Dunboyne, Co Meath, lost his life in October 2022, after siding with Ukrainians to battle Russian forces.