The soldier, from County Londonderry, died yesterday when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in Nad-e Ali, Helmand province.
A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman MBE, said:
“It is with a heavy heart that I must report the loss of a soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment this morning. The soldier was part of a patrol providing security and a reassuring presence for the people of Nad’e Ali when he was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device.
“On this day of all days, his loss feels especially poignant and, as with all of our brave, fallen comrades, will be forever marked in our thoughts; he will be sorely missed.”
His death on Remembrance Sunday takes the total number of serving personnel killed in Afghanistan since to 344.
The Royal Irish Regiment is the last remaining Irish infantry regiment of the line. The 1st Battalion is based in Tern Hill, Shropshire and forms part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.
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