LAST UPDATE | 13 Feb 2023

A MEMBER OF the Defence Forces who died in a parachuting accident in Spain yesterday has been named as Acting Sergeant Major Declan O’Connell.

The Defence Forces confirmed yesterday that Acting Sergeant Major O’Connell, 54, was off duty when the accident occurred.

It’s understood that the lines of Acting Sergeant Major O’Connell’s parachute became caught during a skydiving course.

Paying tribute today, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin gave his condolences on behalf of the Government.

“It is so difficult to find the most appropriate words to express the terrible loss experienced by Declan’s family, friends and colleagues in these moments of grief and suffering,” Martin said.

“His loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him. The Defence Forces are providing support to Acting Sgt Maj O’Connell’s family and colleagues, and my thoughts are with all those impacted. May he rest in peace.”

“He was a champion for all the DF values, especially moral and physical courage, selflessness and integrity. Above all, Doc was a great soldier, team-mate and friend to all who knew him, and a born leader who inspired the many cadets that he trained over the years.”

Acting Sergeant Major O’Connell joined the Defence Forces in February 1990 and his home unit was the Cadet School Military College in the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp. 

He had a 33-year career in the Defence Forces and completed a number of international military courses, including leadership courses in the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany.

He served overseas on nine occasions with the Defence Forces, in Lebanon, Kosovo, Mali and Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, also expressed his deepest sympathies to the family of Acting Sergeant Major O’Connell.

The Reserve Defence Force Representative Association issued its condolences in a statement this morning.

“It is with great sadness that RDFRA has learned of the tragic passing of CS Declan “Doc” O’Connell. The Association wishes to extend its deepest condolences to all of his family, friends and comrades in the Defence Forces.”

The Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) of the Defence Forces and President of Defence Forces Parachuting, Major General Adrian Ó Murchú, stated that O’Connell was “an exemplar for all that is good about the Defence Forces”.

“A natural leader and instructor, he was a great mentor to younger jumpers, and while he was a highly qualified instructor in multiple fields, he was always open to new learning himself,” Major General Ó Murchú continued.

Kildare Gaelic Masters also paid respects yesterday, stating on its Facebook page:

“Our teammate and friend Declan O Connell aka DOC has passed away tragically earlier today. Our sincere condolences to his partner Audrey and the apple of his eye Niamh that spent a lot of her time down with us at training and at our matches cheering her Da on!!”

“DOC was a gentleman and always gave it his all when he was with us! May he rest in peace.”

Skydive Spain, the company who was operating Acting Sergeant Major O’Connell’s skydive, said he was a candidate on a skydiving instructor’s course when the accident occurred.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance.