A Quincy resident was killed in action in Afghanistan on Thursday. Specialist Ciara Durkin was in the National Guard and part of a finance unit.

She was 30. Via the Patriot-Ledger, RTE of Ireland is reporting that she was shot in the head inside Bagram Air Base. Her sister told the Globe, "She was in a secure area of the compound, which, even though the investigation is not complete, leads the family to believe it was what is called friendly fire."

Durkin was born in Ireland and moved to the United States at the age of 9. She was the 8th of 9 children.

The Herald spoke with Durkin's family, who said that she was scheduled to return to the United States in January. The Patriot-Ledger also has a piece on Durkin's life and service.

Afghanistan map image from Wikipedia.