Tributes were paid to Detective Garda Colm Horkan who died last June.
A memorial ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon in honour of the 89 Gardaí who have died in the line of duty since the establishment of An Garda Síochána in 1922.
Taking place at Dublin Castle, during the ceremony Justice Minister Heather Humphreys and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paid tributes to the Gardaí who died while in service.
Humphreys said: “This is one of the most important days of the year, the day when we remember and recognise the sacrifice of the 89 fallen Gardaí who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
Both Harris and Humphreys spoke about Detective Garda Colm Horkan who died last June, with the Minister stating that he represented “the very best of An Garda Síochána and of Ireland.”
She said: “I know that many of us are thinking in particular today of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who tragically lost his life in the service of the State in June last year.
“I want to express my sincere and deepest condolences to his father Marty and all his family, friends, his community and his Garda family – his heartbroken colleagues. I know all those who loved Colm still grieve his passing.
“Colm Horkan served his country selflessly for 24 years. Throughout his time as a proud member of An Garda Síochána, he remained committed to family, to community and to country.”
The Garda Commissioner, meanwhile, said during the ceremony that earlier in the week he presented the family of Garda Horkan with a Garda memorial medal in his honour.
Humphreys also praised the work of Gardaí throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said: “Over the last year, the selfless work and public values of members of An Garda Síochána has been on constant display as we have battled the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Gardaí all over the country have undertaken essential work to stop the spread of the virus and most importantly to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Image via An Garda Síochána
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