The victims of terrorism in the US were remembered by the widow of Det Garda Jerry McCabe during a plaque-unveiling ceremony for him at the weekend. Det Garda McCabe was shot during an IRA post van robbery in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996.
The ceremony on Saturday afternoon was attended by more than 200 people including the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue.
Prayers were said by the Rev John Purdy of the Methodist Church, Dean Maurice Sirr of the Church of Ireland and Father Seβn Sweeney, the Catholic curate in Adare.
Ms Ann McCabe said she felt a mixture of pride and sadness. Her husband was a victim of political terrorism. "My family and myself have received much support from the US, both from the political establishment and from the people."
Her thoughts were with the relatives and friends of those who had died in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. "We now keep a space in our hearts for the thousands of victims of political terrorism in the US."
She hoped the plaque, erected on the wall of the Garda station in Adare, opposite the spot where he was shot, would ensure that a murder of a garda while on duty would never be repeated.
To music provided by the Garda S∅ochβna Band, the plaque was unveiled by retired Det Garda Ben O'Sullivan, who was wounded during the same raid.
He said those responsible for his colleague's death did not represent anybody. Det Garda McCabe was similar to many of the people working in the emergency services who had rushed to the World Trade Centre twin towers before they collapsed. "They all failed to come home."
Mr O'Donoghue said the plaque would be a symbol of the courage shown by Det Garda McCabe, the peace he aspired to and the love he had of his country.
Chief Supt Gerry Kelly of the Limerick division said new generations would pass through Adare and see that a brave man had given his life in his country's service.