Murdered garda honoured at Dublin ceremony

The family of murdered Det Garda Adrian Donohoe has received a remembrance medal in his honour.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan attended Dublin Castle today as Det Donohoe's wife Caroline and two children were presented with the remembrance medal.

Det Donohoe (41), was shot dead during a robbery at Lordship credit union, near Dundalk, Co Louth on January 25th. The award was given during today's annual Garda memorial service for 87 officers who lost their lives in the service of the State, 35 of whom were directly killed by others .

During the short liturgical service at the Garda memorial garden, prayers were also offered for deceased members of the former RIC, the RUC and the PSNI which sent a senior representative.

Describing the murder of Det Donohoe as a terrible event, Mr Callinan said: “It is at difficult times such as this that we experience the true meaning of the extended police family through unending support and overwhelming solidarity offered.”

Addressing the family members of deceased police officers ,he said: “The contribution made to policing by the families of gardaí is immense. It may not receive headlines of public acknowledgement too often but it is something that every service garda or police officer holds dear.”

He insisted gardai would continue to confront criminals, police areas where the rest of the community does not want to go and attend at crime scenes. “It is through the work of these brave officers that peace and civilisation is maintained.”

Mr Shatter said Det Donohoe’s murder was an unspeakable crime which had changed the lives of his family. He said it was tragic that his name was added to a roll of honour that continues to get longer.

"This Government will continue to support An Garda Síochána in every possible way as it goes about the business of protecting the State and its citizens while safeguarding the welfare of the members of the Garda to the greatest possible extent."

He said would not “hesitate to defend the reputation of the Garda force from those who seek to denigrate its reputation and undermine public confidence in the essential work it conducts” on behalf of all citizens in the State.

“We are still blessed to live in a democracy,” he said. “No person should ever underestimate the importance to the State and to each of us who live in it of the daily work undertaken by the brave men and women of the Garda.”

Looking to next year’s memorial service, Mr Shatter said he hoped no further names would be added to the roll of honour and he wished safety to all those serving the public.