The 25-year-old has been remembered as “an immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired everyone around him
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, who grew up in Roscommon, died on Sunday after a tragic incident at an army training site in Northumberland
Tributes have poured in for a young Irish-born British Army officer who was killed during a live fire training exercise in the UK last weekend.
Capt Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, who grew up Ballinameen near Boyle in Co Roscommon, died last Sunday following the incident at an army training site in Northumberland, the UK’s Ministry of Defence confirmed earlier this week.
An Army spokesperson said: “The circumstances surrounding Capt Muldowney’s death are being investigated, and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”
A death notice shared on RIP.ie said the 25-year-old died “on 25th January, 2026, fulfilling his duty and doing what he loved in Northumbria, England.”
Known as Gilbert, Capt Muldowney, who is the son of Ballinameen natives David and Meg Muldowney, joined the British Army in 2020 and served as a fire support commander within 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.
Capt Muldowney served as a fire support team commander in the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery
He served in multiple roles and was deployed in November 2021 to Estonia for six months.
The Irish-born officer had been seriously injured on a commando course in January 2025 and ordered to pause and rehabilitate, but returned to duty after his recovery.
Tributes have been paid to the army officer by military personnel who had served with him, with his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller, hailing him as “an immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired everyone around him”.
Lt Col Waller called Capt Muldowney “an unforgettable character and a rising star within the army” who “led from the front in all that he did,” adding: “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.”
Capt Muldowney was educated at the Elphin Community College in Castlerea after his family moved from Dublin to the North Roscommon village, with the school paying tribute to their former student in a message shared online.
Capt Muldowney was educated at Elphin Community College in Castlerea after his family moved from Dublin to Roscommon
“The entire school community of Elphin Community College is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former pupil Gilbert Muldowney (Class of 2019),” the school said.
“Gilbert was a truly special young man who is remembered with great affection by staff and classmates alike. As one of the Head students, he led quietly and kindly, always setting a positive example. He was deeply involved in sport, an outstanding debater, and a bright, motivated student who set high standards for himself.
“His achievements in engineering were exceptional. At the ETTA Awards 2019, Gilbert achieved first place nationally for the highest Leaving Certificate Engineering result, along with third place nationally for his Higher Level Engineering project — accomplishments that reflected both his ability and determination.”
The statement continued: “What stands out most in the memories shared by staff is Gilbert’s humility and generosity of spirit. He was inclusive, sociable and always willing to help others. He had a strong interest in fitness and a long-held ambition to pursue a career in the Army, reflecting his discipline and sense of service.
Elphin Community College has paid tribute to former student, the late Gilbert Muldowney
“Gilbert came from a close, loving and supportive family, and that sense of care was evident in the way he carried himself throughout his time in school.
“At Elphin Community College, we have a long-standing tradition of displaying photographs of our Head Students. Gilbert’s photograph hangs above the front door of the main school building, quietly looking out over students as they come and go each day — a fitting reminder of his leadership, kindness and the lasting place he holds in our school community.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with David, Meg, Rachel and Kate, and with all of Gilbert’s family and friends, at this incredibly difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Capt Muldowney’s family have said that his funeral arrangements will be announced next week.
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