Private Seán Rooney has been remembered as a “national hero” at his funeral mass.

Hundreds of mourners attended the mass for the 24-year-old peacekeeper, who was killed in Lebanon last Wednesday night.

His coffin, draped in the Tricolour and the UN flag was carried in by family members, led by a single bagpipe player.

The mass heard he was a loving family man who adored his fiancé, Holly McConalogue.

Family members grieve at the funeral of Pte Seán Rooney at the Holy Family Church in Dundalk, 22-12-2022. Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews

In a statement read out on behalf of Holly by Fr Derek Ryan, she said Seán always made her feel safe.

“Seán always encouraged me in my work and my studies and everything in life,” she wrote.

“He believed I could do anything. He made me feel like I could do anything.”

Seán’s mother Natasha McCluskey said she will be forever proud of her son.

“He was the most beautiful baby, the most gorgeous wee boy and the most handsome man you will ever meet,” she said.

“But that is just a fraction of what was on the inside. I will love you forever son and I cannot wait to be reunited with you in heaven.”

Seán grew up in County Louth and later moved to Newtown Cunningham in County Donegal, where he will be laid to rest this afternoon.

He joined the Defence Forces in March 2019 and previously served overseas with the 119 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL.

He was afforded full military honours at his funeral.