26+6=1
Well-known member
Rory Mason, 23, from Dunboyne in County Meath, died while fighting for Ukraine's International Legion near the Russian border.
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," said Mr Mason's father.
"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, principal and honour.
"Rory was our son and we will miss him enormously."
The International Legion said: "Our brother in arms, Rory Mason has taken part in the Kharkiv counteroffensive with his unit and was killed in action.
"While conducting operations, the unit came under attack.
"Rory's memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine."
I measc Laochra na nGael go raibh a anam dílis
Fuair se bás ar son saoirse an Domhain
Fuair se bás ar son saoirse an Domhain
