The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has today presented a Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) to the family of the late Private Billy Kedian.
Private Kedian, who was a native of Ballyhaunis, died while saving the lives of 14 colleagues when they came under armed attack from Hezbollah militants in South Lebanon during tour duty in 1999.
He was 21 years old at the time.
It’s the first time in the history of the State that an Army Private has been awarded a DSM.
Today’s presentation took place at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Galway, where Private Kedian served for many years with distinction.
Tánaiste Simon Harris presented Private Kedians’ sisters, Ann and Mary, with the medal.
Speaking at the medial presentation, the Tánaiste paid tribute to the late Private Kedian, of whom he said “duty, professionalism and a willingness to accept responsibility were the hallmarks of his service”.
