Body found in search identified as Gavin 'Care Bear' Carey
A body found off the coast of Donegal this morning has been identified as a missing soldier.
Chief of Staff with the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett says his thoughts and sympathies are with Corporal Carey's family and friends at this very difficult time.
The Coast Guard has offered its sympathies to the Carey family and the Defence Forces.
Spokesperson is Eugene Clonan: "He was based in Athlone, so it is very difficult for them. We have had some of the troops down here.
"Obviously sympathies go out to the family, I was just with them there and at least they have recovered a body and as sad as it is they have something to take home with them."
The Taoiseach has expressed his sympathy to the family of Corporal Gavin Carey.
Corporal Carey , who is from Mullingar in County Westmeath had been swimming with friends last Tuesday evening off the Donegal coast near Bundoran when he got into difficulty.
The 28-year-old's body was found earlier after a five day search operation and has been brought to Sligo University Hospital.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed his condolences to Corporal Carey's family and his colleagues at Custume Barracks in Athlone - saying he served his country with pride.
The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe says he's deeply saddened by this tragic incident and has paid tribute to all the agencies that assisted with the search.
Chief of Staff with the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett says his thoughts and sympathies are with Corporal Carey's family and friends at this very difficult time.
A body has been found in the search for Gavin 'Care Bear' Carey off the Donegal coast.
Gavin 'Care Bear' Carey - an Army Corporal from Mullingar, has been missing off the Bundoran Coast since Tuesday evening while out swimming with other soldiers.
The massive search operation involved hundreds of members of the Defence Forces, the army diving team, members of the Coast Guard, RNLI, Donegal Mountain Rescue and a rescue helicopter.
The coastguard has offered its sympathies to the Carey family and the Defence Forces.
