“Rory’s memory will live on”
A 23-year-old Irishman has been ‘killed in action in Ukraine.
Rory Mason sadly passed away on September 28th. His family found out the heartbreaking news from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is supporting Rory’s family at this time.
23-year-old Rory enlisted in March 2021. According to The Irish Examiner, he was killed in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border.
He was fighting in the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine as part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The legion issued a statement following the Irishman’s death;
“While conducting operations, the unit came under attack,” the legion said.
“The International Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are handling the repatriation process.
The family of Rory Mason from Dunboyne in Co Meath, aged 23, have confirmed his death while fighting in Ukraine’s International Legion against the invasion of Russia. @VirginMediaNews pic.twitter.com/0DvNh9J9H4
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 5, 2022
“At this time, to protect operational security and the family’s privacy we cannot release more information.”
“Rory’s memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine”.
His parents are heartbroken following the untimely death of their young son.
Rory’s younger siblings are also devastated but proud of their brother.
“We are enormously proud of his courage and determination.”
He praised his son’s selflessness after “immediately enlisting to support Ukraine.”
“Rory could have left at any time but chose not to.”
We’re keeping Rory’s loved ones in our thoughts during this harrowing time.