Irish Air Corps soldier (30) found dead at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, paid tribute to Lieutenant Conal Sheeran. Photo: PA

Seoirse Mulgrew

The Defence Forces has confirmed the death of a member of the Irish Air Corps today.

Lieutenant Conal Sheeran (30) was found in an unresponsive state by his colleagues at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

Lt Sheeran was from Co Westmeath and he joined Óglaigh na hÉireann in 2012 as a recruit in 1 Infantry Battalion, before joining the 70th Air Corps Apprentice Class, also in 2012.

“It is with great sadness that Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that the death has occurred of Lieutenant Conal Sheeran of the Irish Air Corps,” a spokesperson for the Defence Forces said.

Lt Sheeran graduated in 2016 and subsequently became a member of the 36th Air Corps Cadet Class in 2017.

He completed this training and was commissioned as an officer in the Air Corps in 2020.

“Lt Sheeran had 11 proud years of service with Óglaigh na hÉireann and served in a number of appointments, including the Flight Training School, 506 Squadron and No.5 Ops Wing HQ. He also completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Military Aviation Technology in NUI Galway,” the spokesperson said.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said the Air Corps and Óglaigh na hÉireann have lost a “fine colleague and a better friend”.

“All of us in Óglaigh na hÉireann extend our deepest sympathies to the family and the friends of Lt Sheeran, and to all those who were lucky enough to have known him, in whatever capacity that it was. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”