Tributes have been paid to an Irish soldier who was tragically killed in a skydiving accident in Spain.
Company Sergeant Declan “Doc” O’Connell, believed to be in his early 50s, was not on duty when he lost his life yesterday. The Government and Defence Forces were made aware of his passing and worked to contact his family members to inform them of the news.
Details of the incident itself and how his death occurred remained unclear last night. President of the Permanent Defence Forces Representative Association Mark Keane paid tribute.
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He told the Irish Mirror: “It’s a very tragic day and all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
“He was a very accomplished soldier and a staunch supporter of PDFORRA. So it’s very sad news for all our members.”
Sgt O’Connell attended Patrician Brothers school before he joined the army, where he served for more than 30 years. He led an active lifestyle, previously playing football for Newbridge Sarsfields and soccer for Newbridge Town.
He began skydiving in the army in 2004 and had travelled to Russia and Spain to persue his hobby. In 2016, he was part of the first Irish group to make the podium at the World Indoor Sky Dive Championship, where they won gold.
He told KildareLive: “Winning gold was a tremendous feeling.” At the time, he had more than 200 jumps under his belt.
Sgt O’Connell’s death stunned locals around Newbridge last night. Kildare Cllr Anne Connolly told the Irish Mirror: “I offer my sincere sympathies to Doc’s family and his colleagues.
“And I’m sure the Curragh camp will be a very sad place on Monday morning when members are turning up for work. It’s just very sad news.”
Cllr Chris Pender added: “The Defence Forces is an integral part of the community in Newbridge. And regardless of whether people knew him or not, his loss will be felt throughout the community.”
Kildare District Darts League also posted a tribute to “Doc” last night on social media. It read: “The committee would like to pass on its condolences to the family and friends of Declan O’Connell of Flanagans darts team, who tragically passed away today.
“Doc has been a KDDL member for over a decade, and won the league in 2017 and last season with Flanagans. Our thoughts are with Doc, his family and friends and all at Flanagans Darts Team. R.I.P Doc.”
In a statement from the Defence Forces, a spokesman confirmed: “We can confirm that a serving member has died in a parachuting accident in Spain. He was off duty at the time.
“More details will follow when all family members have been informed.”
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