A Dublin-born member of the Irish Guards has been killed in action in Basra. Lance Cpl Ian Malone from Ballyfermot was 28 and a member of the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards, which he joined in 1997.
He was part of a vanguard group with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards which advanced deep into Basra early on Sunday to secure a vital gateway in the city.
They encountered resistance from the Fedayeen militia, which is especially loyal to President Saddam Hussein. It is reported that Lance Cpl Malone and another member of the Irish Guards were hit by sniper fire as they emerged from their Warrior armoured vehicle.
His family reacted to his death last night by saying he was proud to be an Irishman, serving in the Irish Guards.
They took some comfort from knowing he died doing the job he loved, the family said.
Last November Lance Cpl Malone featured in an RTE documentary about Irish people in the British armed forces. He said he had been considered too old to join the Irish Army and had chosen the British army over the French Foreign Legion.
Lance Cpl Malone was well travelled, having served in Poland, Oman, Germany, Kosovo and Canada, as well as the UK. He was also a valued member of the regimental pipe band.
His family said in a statement: "Ian was a wonderful son, full of life and vitality, fun and wit."
He had a girlfriend who, along with his family, was devastated to learn of his death.
"He had so many friends and so much to live for. He loved the army and lived for the excitement and challenges that being a soldier brought," the statement added.
Last night Father Paul Thornton of Ballyfermot said neighbours and other people in the community had been offering their condolences to the family yesterday.