Lebanon: The Attack on Irish Peacekeepers and the Irish Public’s Outpouring of Support

On Wednesday, Irish U.N. peacekeeper Pvt. Shane Kearney was medically evacuated to Ireland after suffering from blunt force trauma to his head in an attack in Lebanon. Pvt. Seán Rooney was unfortunately killed in the attack, while the two other soldiers were lightly wounded. This tragedy has sparked an investigation by Lebanon, Ireland, and the United Nations, though no findings have been released at this time. Kearney’s medical evacuation to Ireland was a priority for the Irish government. He was flown to a military base southwest of Dublin and will continue his treatment at Beaumont Hospital. The government has made his health and wellbeing a priority, with the Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe emphasizing that all necessary resources would be made available to ensure he receives the best care possible. Though Kearney is in serious but stable condition, his family is still facing an incredibly difficult time. The Irish public has offered an outpouring of support for the Kearney family, with many people taking to social media to express their sympathies. The hashtag #KearneyStrong was created in honor of the brave peacekeeper, with many posting messages of love and support. The death of Pvt. Seán Rooney and the attack that injured Pvt. Shane Kearney serves as a painful reminder of the risks peacekeepers take to protect civilians around the world. The Irish government has made it clear that it is committed to supporting its peacekeepers, both while they are on duty and once they return home. In the wake of this tragedy, the government has promised to do everything in its power to make sure that the soldiers and their families receive the support and care they need. The incident in Lebanon is a tragic reminder of the dangers of peacekeeping, and the bravery of those who carry out this mission. The Irish public has shown tremendous support for Pvt. Shane Kearney and his family, and the government has promised to make sure that he receives the best possible care. We can only hope that the investigations being conducted by Lebanon, Ireland, and the United Nations will bring some closure and justice to the families of the victims.