Body of Defence Forces soldier who went swimming off Donegal recovered

Cpl Gavin Carey went missing last Tuesday.

He had been swimming with two other members of the Defence Forces in the Bundoran area when they encountered difficulties.

The serviceman was part of 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment and based at Custume Barracks in Athlone.

Defence Forces chief of staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett said: “As a soldier he espoused the values we as an organisation hold dear.”

Cpl Carey was in Finner Camp near Ballyshannon attending a first responders course as part of his training for deployment to a South Lebanon peacekeeping mission in November.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “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.”

Mr Kenny added this was a reminder of the duties soldiers undertake on behalf of everyone.