Honour For Irish Serviceman Killed In Afghanistan

The Irishman killed serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan is to be remembered on an engraved Peace Park 'wall' in Co Mayo.

Marine Robert McKibbin, 32, who was killed in action earlier this month is to be honoured by being added to the names on the Garden of Remembrance wall in Castlebar - a facility officially opened by the Irish President just weeks ago.

Mr McKibben's funeral was taking place today with British military representatives in attendance at the service in Westport - which was especially poignant given news of a further death of a Royal Marine - a Scot - in the war zone yesterday.

The Irish marine, from Carnalurgan, Westport, died along with a fellow marine, Neil Dunstan, after their patrol vehicle was hit by an explosive device in the Garmsir district of Southern Helmand.

Their bodies were flown back from Afghanistan last week.

Inquests into the deaths of the two marines are to be held soon in Oxford.

Known to most on his unit as 'Frank', Mr McKibben was serving with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group, as a reconnaissance operator.

He was expected home on leave before Christmas.

Robert's family released a statement saying: "We are all extremely proud of our Robbie.

"He had very definite plans of how he wanted to live his life; he was always thoughtful, considerate and had an amazing sense of humour that touched so many lives.

"He was so full of life and was loved so much by his family and by all his friends. Robbie has left a huge void in our hearts and he will never be forgotten.”

In a tribute, his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew J McInerney said: "Marine Robert Joseph McKibben was a larger than life character, with an easy smile and quick wit. He was an immensely capable man, yet his humility made him an example and inspiration to all he served with."

Meanwhile, the identity of another British soldier - also a Royal Marine, who was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan this week - has been revealed.

He was Alex Lucas, from Peebles, in Scotland, who died from his injuries following an explosion close to the treacherous Helmand province yesterday.

See: Royal Marine Killed In Helmand

See: President Commemorates British War Dead

(DW)(BMcC)