12/09/2008

Body Of Cavan Soldier Returns Home

The body of a Cavan-born soldier killed in Afghanistan arrived back on home soil today.

Ranger Justin Cupples, who was 29, served with the Royal Irish Regiment.

Ranger Cupples died after an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in Helmand Province last Thursday.

Earlier today the soldier's remains were flown to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

A repatriation service was held at the army base. Relatives of the Cavan man were in attendance.

Mr Cupples's parents still live in Cavan.

Ranger Cupples was killed after trapping his foot in a tripwire attached to an improvised explosive device in Sangin, a Taliban stronghold where Royal Irish soldiers frequently come under attack.

Despite desperate efforts by his comrades, the soldier died at the scene.

(PR/JM)

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