A British Army officer from Co. Roscommon who died during a live firing training exercise was killed by a gunshot wound.
An inquest investigating into his death opened at Northumberland Coroner's Court today.
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, who was 25 and grew up in Ballinameen, near Boyle, died at the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland on January 25th.
The Press Association reports that while opening the inquest, the coroner said Captain Muldowney had been taking part in a military exercise when an incident occurred.
According to coroner Andrew Hetherington, he had suffered a gunshot wound that entered through his back and exited through his left shoulder.
CPR was carried out at the scene by military medics, and ambulance crews attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The court heard that investigations are now underway by Northumbria Police, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Defence Safety Authority.
The inquest has been formally opened and adjourned until May 2027.
Captain Muldowney served with 129 Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and had joined the army in 2020 after training at Sandhurst.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence described him as an"immensely enthusiastic" officer who "inspired those around him."
