Published: Tuesday, 29th July, 2008 10:15
21st birthday in Helmand
By Andrew Gibson
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Kieran Connelly
A Brave soldier is set celebrate his 21st birthday in the wilderness of southern Afghanistan fighting bravely for his country.
And not only will Kieran Connelly lose out on partying with his family this Friday, he has already missed his nephew’s Christening, where he was supposed to act as his Godfather.
Kieran’s mother Marie Connelly has spoken to the Reporter about how proud the family are of the Brucehill soldier and how disappointed they are he could not be with them for the special family landmarks.
She said:“He doesn’t say too much about what is happening but he seems to be coping quite well.
“They don’t know if he can contact us on his birthday as he is out in the wilderness and its just when they can get communications.
“We were kidding him on saying it is your 21st and you are out there — we wish he was here."
Kieran, who is fighting in the volatile southern Helmand province, only joined the army earlier this year and is said to be doing well.
His mother Marie, however, has the natural worry every time news of deaths in Afghanistan appear on her TV screen.
She said: “I saw there was another soldier killed in Afghanistan — you’re heart jumps when you hear that kind of thing happening.
“When it comes on you know it is not one of yours because they don’t publicise anything until the family knows, but it is still upsetting.
“Some times we don’t hear from him for three weeks.”
Marie of Dumbarton, explained Kieran’s decision to join the armed forces was as much out of necessity as desire. She added: “When he left school the only employment he could get was in Somerfield, but it was only 20 to 25 hours a week.
“He has three older brothers who say he is ‘off his head’ for joining the army. But he made the decision he didn’t want to be stuck about the streets.”
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