A body has been discovered in the water near Tullan Strand in Co Donegal.
The discovery was made this morning by divers involved in the search for missing solider, Corporal Gavin Carey, who got into difficulty while swimming in the sea off Bundoran earlier this week.
A search involving the Coast Guard, members of the Defence Forces and the local community has been ongoing for Corporal Carey since Tuesday evening.
A spokesman for the Boyne Fisherman's Rescue and Recovery Service, which was assisting in the search operation, said its diving unit recovered the body just before 11 o'clock this morning.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with Corporal Gavin Carey’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
"As a soldier he espoused the values we as an organisation hold dear. I would like to thank each of the agencies that helped with the search. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Cpl Carey’s next of kin are being assisted by Defence Forces Personnel Support Services.
On Tuesday, three members of the Defence Forces got into difficulties while swimming in the Bundoran area off Donegal. Two of the soldiers were rescued by the RNLI and a search got under way for Cpl Carey.
Cpl Carey served with 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment, Custume Barracks, Athlone.
Cpl Carey was in Finner Camp attending a Military First Responder's Course which he was completing as part of his pre-deployment training for UNIFIL.
He was scheduled to deploy to South Lebanon in November.
Enda Kenny paid tribute to Cpl Carey this evening.
"On behalf of myself, as Taoiseach and Minister for Defence, and on behalf of all the citizens of the State I want to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of Corporal Gavin Carey following his tragic death," Mr Kenny said.
"Gavin served his country with pride and in the unheralded manner he and all his colleagues go about their business.
"At the time of his death he was in the process of completing a training course prior to his scheduled deployment overseas, to Lebanon. A further reminder of the duties soldiers undertake on all our behalves," added Mr Kenny.
