The following is the text of a statement issued on behalf of the father, family, wife and five children of the late Jerry McCabe:
The father, family, wife and children of the late Det Garda Jerry McCabe offer their most sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who supported them through the ordeal of the past 31 months since Jerry was gunned down in Adare in June 1996.
The family has been consoled by the steadfast support of the Garda Siochana at all levels and especially the support of Jerry's former colleagues, by the outpouring of care from relatives, friends and neighbours and by the spontaneous messages and gestures of sympathy and support received from all parts and sections of the country. The family has been deeply touched by the outpouring of feelings of solidarity which have flowed unceasingly since Jerry's death.
Deep feelings of gratitude and friendship are extended to Det Garda Ben O'Sullivan, his wife, Ann, and their family. He will always have a place among the McCabe family, who wish him every blessing and gladness in a full and long life.
Most heartfelt thanks go to the gardai for their single-minded pursuit of those who admitted their responsibility for taking the life of Jerry McCabe. It is a matter of pride that Jerry's Garda colleagues in Limerick never rested until his killers were brought to justice. The family also extends gratitude to all those involved in the successful prosecution of the case.
Because of the brutal circumstances involved, the family of the late Det Garda McCabe have had to deal with their grief in public view. The family now wish to cope with the loss by private grieving as a family.