Lance Cpl Ian Malone from Dublin, who died last year in the Iraq war, was remembered last night at a moving ceremony when his mother was presented with his campaign medals.
Mrs Mary Malone accepted the two medals, one for the campaign in Kosovo in 2000 and the second for the Iraq war from March 19th to April 2003, from the British ambassador, Mr Stewart Eldon.
The Lance Corporal's three sisters, Michelle, Deborah, Carol and his brother, Edward, attended the ceremony with other family members and his friends at the residence of the British Defence Attaché, Col Paul Cummings, in Co Dublin.
Lance Cpl Malone (28) from Ballyfermot died last year on April 6th while serving with the Irish Guards in the British army. He is the only Irishman to die in the war.
Col Cummings, introducing the ceremony, said that Lance Cpl Malone was a remarkable young man who had touched the hearts of many people, himself included. He said he and the Lance Corporal's mother and family had shared sorrow, reflection, pride and great joy over the past year.
Paying tribute to Mrs Malone, he said she had shown great courage and enormous dignity throughout a difficult year.
Mr Eldon presented the medals to Mrs Malone who fought back tears as he said: "I want to tell you how honoured I am to present these medals which are a recognition of the contribution Ian made and what he stood for and for the steadfastness of you and your family. I am pleased and honoured to see you all here tonight."
After the brief ceremony Mrs Malone said it had been a tough time. She said her eldest son had been very proud of his work, he enjoyed it and travelled a lot. "I'm very proud of him - of them all," she said, turning to her children on either side of her.
She said she had had great support. Col Cummings had been a rock and everybody all over the country had sent so many letters and cards. "We couldn't get through all the letters and we want to thank everybody for their kindness."
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Irish Guards and members of the Royal British Legion. Also at the ceremony was Mr Joe Ryan, who will be 90 in two weeks' time. He is an ex-member of the Irish Guards and served during the second World War.