The Irishman who was killed last week fighting for Ukraine against Russia has been identified as Graham Dale, 45, from Raheny in Dublin.
Dale had previously served in the United States Marine Corps and his time in the Marines included a tour in Iraq. Prior to coming to America he had been in the Irish Army's reserves.
Dale had been living in Texas when the attack on America was unleashed on 9/11. This led him to joining the Marines.
Later he authored a book, together with Irish journalist Neil Fetherstonhaugh, entitled "The Green Marine," which recounted his experiences in Iraq. The book was subtitled "An Irishman's War in Iraq."
Fetherstonhaugh told the Irish Independent that the Graham Dale he knew was no Rambo but rather a man who hated injustice and bullies.
Dale had reportedly been serving in Ukraine for two years. He was killed on Friday, December 8.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was aware of the Irishman's death and was also providing consular assistance to his family.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” a spokesman said.
It has been reported that Dale's remains are being taken back to Ireland his funeral.
The man is the third from Ireland to die in Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion.
Finbar Cafferkey, who was in his 40s and from Achill Island, was killed while fighting in eastern Ukraine in April of this year. He was a military volunteer with previous combat experience in Syria where he assisted Kurdish militia in their battle against Islamic State.
After Cafferky's death, Russia warned that Ireland will suffer “all consequences” if Irish citizens are encouraged to fight in Ukraine.
The warning from the Russian Embassy in Dublin came after Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressed his sympathies with Cafferkey's family.
Rory Mason (23), from Dunboyne, County Meath, was killed in September, 2022 while fighting in the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region.
