Body of Irish soldier due home on Sunday

The body of the Irish soldier killed in East Timor on Tuesday is due to arrive home on Sunday, the army confirmed today.

The body of the Irish soldier killed in East Timor on Tuesday is due to arrive home on Sunday, the army confirmed today.

The remains of Private Peadar Ó Flaithearta, who was shot dead in what is being described as a tragic accident, will be flown into Galway airport by a Air Corps plane on Sunday morning.

No other details about the funeral arrangements have been confirmed, an army spokesman said.

Pte Ó Flaithearta (21) from Trabane, Lettermore, Co Galway, was shot in the head when a fellow soldier accidentally fired his weapon as their platoon patrolled a mountainous jungle near the border with West Timor.

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The Irish unit, which was based near the village of Taromon, was on a three-day patrol in the region.