President Mary McAleese today paid tribute to a young soldier killed in an off-road training accident at the Curragh, Co Kildare.
James Dillon, 21, a trooper with the 2nd Cavalry Squadron in Dublin, died yesterday afternoon when the armoured car he was travelling in overturned.
“I should like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the brave young Trooper, James Dillon, who was accidentally killed so tragically in the Curragh,” she said.
“James's family have the closest association with the Defence Forces and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this heartbreaking time.”
Trooper Dillon, who's father and sister are members of the armed forces, was acting as gunner in the armoured car and part of a three-strong team taking part in off-road training.
The vehicle overturned on a hilly section of the course causing Trooper Dillon fatal injuries. Two other soldiers were injured in the incident and taken to hospital for treatment.
President McAleese extended her sympathies to the soldier's colleagues.
“My best wishes for a quick and complete recovery go to Sgt Tom Kennedy and Trooper Nicola Nolan, who were injured in the same accident,” she said.
A joint garda and military police investigation was launched at the Defence Forces centre at the Curragh.
PA