A TOUCHING video has captured the poignant moment a lone Irish veteran paid tribute to a fallen soldier.
Private Sean Rooney was tragically killed last week at the age of just 23 after the UN convoy he was travelling in was set upon by a hostile mob in Lebanon.
The hero soldier, who served in the Irish Defence Forces, was repatriated to Ireland on Monday, with his body being transported to military airbase Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, County Dublin.
Video has shown the moment a retired soldier made his way to the side of the road by the entrance to the Irish Air Corps headquarters as the convoy carrying Private Rooney approaches.
The man approaches the side of the road with his walking stick, clad in military uniform including a dark green jacket and blue beret, which he straightens before standing upright.
As the hearse carrying Private Rooney passes by, the veteran stands at attention and salutes his fallen comrade in a show of respect and touching tribute to the heroic peacekeeper.
The veteran holds his salute for the entirety of the procession as six more vehicles follow the lead car.
The touching moment was captured by Anthony Costello who shared it to social media on Monday writing: “A poignant moment as a retired member of the defence forces, who had waited patiently, walks to the roadside to salute his fallen comrade.
“He respectfully straightens his blue beret and green jacket before giving Private Sean Rooney his salute.”
The video has been viewed over 436,000 times and received more than 16,000 likes with over 1,700 retweets and hundreds of comments.
Many people were quick to commend the veteran while also paying tribute to young Private Rooney.
One person said: “This has brought tears to my eyes this morning, what a beautiful gesture and show of respect. RIP Private Rooney.”
Another added: “Moments like this fill me with sadness, yet at the same time it fills me with pride. Fair play to that man on the corner.”
A third replied: “That brought a tear to my eye, true respect and true dignity. God bless that man. Rest in peace Sean.”
Another said: “This has brought tears to my eyes because this is exactly what my Dad would have done – wearing his blazer, medals and beret. Our peacekeeping record runs long and deep.”
A fifth added: “This just makes me cry. So poignant and so sad.”
It has been announced that Private Rooney will be buried with full military honours in Colehill, County Donegal tomorrow.
The Irish Defence Forces has opened an online book of condolences for the fallen soldier.
