Tributes have been paid to a British Army officer who was killed during a training exercise on Sunday.
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney died following a live firing incident at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old, who grew up in County Roscommon, Ireland, and joined the army in 2020, served as a fire support commander within 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.
The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, where Capt Muldowney’s father, David, is a permanent deacon, offered their “condolences and prayers to Deacon David Muldowney, his wife Meg and their daughters, on the tragic death of their son and brother”.
Parish priest Very Rev Lawrence Ebuk, who described the Muldowneys as a “close knit, humble nice family”, said the community was “devastated”.
An army spokesperson said Capt Muldowney’s death is being investigated but that “it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time”.
Capt Muldowney’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller, hailed “an immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired everyone around him”.
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He called Capt Muldowney “an unforgettable character and a rising star within the army” who “led from the front in all that he did”.
Lt Col Waller added: “His leadership, courage, and sense of duty earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.
“He had an extraordinary ability to lift spirits and make the best of any situation, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.”
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Captain Helen Brackenbury paid tribute to “a truly kind person, highly competent and endearingly joyful”.
She said: “He served all those under his command in a highly authentic manner, unapologetically himself – every day he displayed a level of spirit I continue to be in awe of.
“It has been the pleasure of my career to have served alongside him, and I consider myself very lucky to have been his friend.”
