An Irishman who has been killed fight with the Ukrainian army against the Russians was previously a well known rider on the Irish road and track scenes.
Robert Deegan (29), from Newbridge in Co Kildare, was fighting in Ukraine when he was killed in action last Thursday. His family issued a statement confirming his passing and saying he had previously been badly injured, and lost an eye, in an explosive attack in Ukraine in 2022.
However, after he had recovered - and even though his family said they urged him not to go back to the war - he returned to his special forces unit in Ukraine this year. He had previously served in the Defence Forces in Ireland and was a member of its most elite unit, the Army Ranger Wing.
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While Mr Deegan appears to have drifted away from cycling in his early 20s, he won some road races as a junior, including the Stamullen GP - when riding for Kilcullen CC - and rode the Junior Tour of Ireland with Leinster in 2012. He claimed a medal at the Nationals in 2017.
He was racing with the Arcane Cycling Team at the time and was part of its line-up that won the silver medal in the team sprint. He also rode the Dublin Track International in 2017.
Mr Deegan's family issued a statement today, expressing their grief after receiving news of his death, which only emerged on Sunday night in Ireland.
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"The family are extremely devastated for the loss of Robert. He made the ultimate sacrifice while staying true to his principles and character," it said.
"Robert should be remembered as a hero who died protecting his comrades in battle while fighting for a principled cause.
"He was severely injured in Ukraine in 2022 and lost an eye due to an IED strike. Once he recovered he went back out to the Ukraine war against the family’s wishes.
"Robert embodies the definition of determination, honour, loyalty and bravery. He stayed behind to cover his comrades' retreat. He fought and died like a warrior. He will be forever remembered in our hearts.”
Arcane Cycling Team has issued a statement paying tribute to Mr Deegan and saying it was extremely saddened to learn of his death.
"Robert was an immense talent on the bike, having excelled as a junior on the road, before representing Arcane as a senior on the track," it said.
"A very popular member of the team, Robert is remembered fondly by all who raced with him."
