Tributes Paid To Corporal Gavin Carey Following Recovery Of His Body

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Minister for Defence, Paul Kehoe, have expressed their sympathies on the death of Corporal Gavin Carey.

The body of Corporal Carey was recovered from the sea near Tullan Strand, Co Donegal on Saturday, 27 August.

The soldier had gotten into difficulty while swimming in the sea off Bundoran last Tuesday, 23 August.

A major search operation was launched and continued throughout the week, until the body was recovered.

The Taoiseach said: "On behalf of myself, as Taoiseach and Minister for Defence, and on behalf of all the citizens of the State I want to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of Corporal Gavin Carey following his tragic death.

"Gavin died as a serving member of the Defence Forces and I wish also to extend my sympathies to his colleagues from 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment, Custume Barracks, Athlone, at what is a very difficult time for them.

"Gavin served his country with pride and in the unheralded manner he and all his colleagues go about their business. At the time of his death he was in the process of completing a training course prior to his scheduled deployment overseas, to Lebanon. A further reminder of the duties soldiers undertake on all our behalves."

Speaking at an Irish United Nations Veterans Association ceremony in Enniscorthy where Corporal Carey was remembered, Minister Kehoe said: "I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident and I want to offer my deepest condolences to Corporal Carey's family and friends and to his military colleagues in the Defence Forces."

The Minister also expressed his gratitude to all the agencies that assisted with the search.

(MH/LM)