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05/10/2022
Irishman Killed Fighting In Ukraine
An Irishman has been killed while fighting in Ukraine, his family have confirmed.
Rory Mason, aged 23, from Dunboyne in County Meath, died while fighting for Ukraine's International Legion close to the Russian border.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance.
His father Rob said: "Rory was a private young man of drive, purpose and conviction.
"Though we are deeply saddened at his death, we are enormously proud of his courage and determination and his selflessness in immediately enlisting to support Ukraine.
"Rory was never political but he had a deep sense of right and wrong and an inability to turn the other way in the face of injustice.
"He had a long-standing interest in eastern Europe, in travel, and in learning new languages, including Russian. Those who fought alongside Rory speak of 'a truly brave and courageous man who could have left at any time but chose not to'.
"In the words of a colleague who served with him, ‘Rory was a man who from a glance could seem shy, however when it came to actions and character he proved again and again he was a man of fortitude, principle and honour’.
"Rory was our son and we will miss him enormously. As our family is still trying to come to terms with Rory’s death, we would appeal for privacy at this difficult time."
Before joining the International Legion, his family said he had been working in Germany to help fund his travel ambitions.
In a statement, the International Legion said: "Our brother in arms, Rory Mason, has taken part in the Kharkiv counter-offensive with his unit and was killed in action. While conducting operations, the unit came under attack.
"We are in contact with the family and in co-ordination with them, following their wishes and instructions, the International Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are handling the repatriation process.
"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.
"We would ask for the family's privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement: "The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of a case and is providing consular assistance.
"As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of any individual case."
Rory Mason, aged 23, from Dunboyne in County Meath, died while fighting for Ukraine's International Legion close to the Russian border.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance.
His father Rob said: "Rory was a private young man of drive, purpose and conviction.
"Though we are deeply saddened at his death, we are enormously proud of his courage and determination and his selflessness in immediately enlisting to support Ukraine.
"Rory was never political but he had a deep sense of right and wrong and an inability to turn the other way in the face of injustice.
"He had a long-standing interest in eastern Europe, in travel, and in learning new languages, including Russian. Those who fought alongside Rory speak of 'a truly brave and courageous man who could have left at any time but chose not to'.
"In the words of a colleague who served with him, ‘Rory was a man who from a glance could seem shy, however when it came to actions and character he proved again and again he was a man of fortitude, principle and honour’.
"Rory was our son and we will miss him enormously. As our family is still trying to come to terms with Rory’s death, we would appeal for privacy at this difficult time."
Before joining the International Legion, his family said he had been working in Germany to help fund his travel ambitions.
In a statement, the International Legion said: "Our brother in arms, Rory Mason, has taken part in the Kharkiv counter-offensive with his unit and was killed in action. While conducting operations, the unit came under attack.
"We are in contact with the family and in co-ordination with them, following their wishes and instructions, the International Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are handling the repatriation process.
"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.
"We would ask for the family's privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement: "The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of a case and is providing consular assistance.
"As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of any individual case."
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