Family of Garda Colm Horkan say “life will never be the same” one year after tragic death

Commissioner Drew Harris also paid tribute to Horkan on the "very sad and difficult day".

On 17 June 2020 Detective Colm Horkan was fatally wounded while responding to an incident in Roscommon. A year on from the fatal shooting, Colm’s family and An Garda Síochána have paid tribute to the well-respected Mayo Garda. In a statement on Thursday, Horkan's family said the member of An Garda Síochána "would leave a lasting impression in any room or place", adding that "life will never be the same". They said Colm was "one of a kind," and that his life "was ended before his time."

"He attended every party and function that was being held, always dressed impeccably and had a word for everyone in a quiet unassuming way," the statement continued.

"For the many people who knew Colm and those of you who didn’t, his infectious smile would brighten up any occasion."

The family added that Colm loved his job and wore the uniform with great pride, saying that he was "kind, thoughtful, and a selflessly loyal gentleman to all he encountered both on a personal and professional level."

"Sadly, we never got the opportunity to say goodbye and to tell him how much we dearly loved him," they said.

"Life will never be the same without Colm."

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said on Thursday that the day would be "a very sad and difficult day for Colm’s family and friends, his colleagues, the local community, and An Garda Síochána."

"Colm was the epitome of what all of us in An Garda Síochána should aspire to be - professional, hard-working, supportive, community-focused, and brave," he said.

"But as well as sadness there is great pride. Great pride in Colm as a person who was loved and respected by so many people. Colm will never be forgotten."