Tributes as detective shot dead in Roscommon is named

PHOTO: The late Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

The Garda detective who lost his life last night has been named as Detective Garda Colm Horkan, from Charlestown in Mayo.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, in a statement, said: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea Garda Station and the Detective Unit he served in.

Colm served the communities he worked in with distinction and pride during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Síochána.

Detective Garda Colm Horkan is the 89th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty. Today is a terrible reminder of the significant sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, that Gardaí make to keep people save.

“I want to thank the local community in Castlerea and the country as a whole for the support they have shown to An Garda Síochána and individual Gardaí even in the short time since the incident.

Commissioner Harris said: “The fatal shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan remains under investigation. I want to appeal to anyone with information on this incident or witnessed this incident to contact Castlerea Garda Station at 094 962 1635.”

President Michael D. Higgins led the tribute saying that the news was “a shock to us all”.

“May I offer my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the Garda, and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

I have contacted the Garda Commissioner to express my deepest sympathies on this terrible loss of a member of the force.”

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also extended his deepest sympathies.

‘Every day our Gardai put themselves on the frontline of crime prevention, on behalf of all of us. This requires regular acts of bravery and courage. Sometimes the outcome is tragic and a Garda makes the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duties.

‘Our thoughts today are with all those grieving as a result of this tragic incident.’

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has said that the killing of a Garda in Castlerea, was a truly shocking incident.

She has extended her sympathies to the Garda's family and colleagues at this very difficult time.

She said: "This is a truly terrible incident and has caused major shock amongst the entire community in Castlerea and the wider region.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, said his death would cause untold heartbreak to his family, loved ones and all his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country.

“It is also a loss to wider Irish society. His heroism and the debt of gratitude which we owe to him and his family will never be forgotten.”