The heart-wrenching quest for justice by the mother of slain Irish peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney has cast a somber shadow over the recent military tribunal proceedings, which she vehemently claims delivered anything but justice for her son’s tragic death.

Private Rooney, a 24-year-old from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, met his untimely demise on December 14, 2022, when the convoy of Irish troops he was serving with, as part of a UN peacekeeping force, fell victim to a brutal ambush and sustained heavy gunfire.

The conclusion of the military tribunal in Beirut, intended to address the indictments for Pte Rooney’s murder, was recently confirmed by Tanaiste Simon Harris. However, this official completion brought little solace to his grieving family.

In a powerful statement released through Phoenix Law, Ms. Rooney described her son as a “brave and courageous soldier,” highlighting his profound roles as a “much-loved son, brother, fiance, and friend,” underscoring the immense personal loss endured.

She asserted that while no legal action could ever restore Sean’s life, the fundamental quest for “truth and justice for his murder is the very least he deserves,” emphasizing the paramount importance of clarity and accountability in such a profound case.

Despite being constrained by ongoing live proceedings, Ms. Rooney expressed an inability to “sit idly by and let the truth get lost in the hysteria,” conveying her deep frustration with the lack of transparency surrounding the sensitive military tribunal.

Her pointed criticism centered on the assertion that “not only was justice not done, it was not seen to be done,” lamenting the minimal information disclosed and the apparent lack of robust challenge in the open court setting of the tribunal.

Further amplifying her concerns, Ms. Rooney highlighted the disconcerting fact that the accused individual did not appear for the trial, adding a layer of skepticism regarding the thoroughness and fairness of the process, suggesting a potential for enduring impunity.

Concluding her impassioned address, Ms. Rooney directly urged Tanaiste Simon Harris to engage in personal dialogue with her “before seeking to speak for me, in his public statements,” signaling a clear desire for direct communication and empathy from official channels concerning this profound military tragedy.