Almost a thousand mourners took part in the funeral in Co Meath yesterday of Det Sgt John Eiffe, who was shot dead accidentally during an operation last Friday to prevent a bank robbery in Abbeyleix, Co Laois.
Det Sgt Eiffe (40), who is survived by his wife Lorraine and four children, was described in the homily as "solid, decent, hardworking and, above all else, a family man" by the parish priest, Father Gerry Stewart.
The funeral took place in Ratoath, Co Meath, where Det Sgt Eiffe grew up and lived with his family.
Bishop Michael Smith of Meath, speaking at the end of the funeral Mass said: "John and his colleagues have been in many dangerous situations over recent years, and that is food for reflection for us all. Ultimately, John has paid with his life for his dedication and commitment to the safety and protection and well-being of the whole community."
In his homily, Father Stewart said Det Sgt Eiffe had served in the Garda S∅ochβna for 21 years, having begun service in Finglas before joining the Special Detective Unit and then the armed Emergency Response Unit (ERU). On promotion he was sent to Cahir, Co Tipperary, and then returned to the Bridewell station in Dublin before joining the National Surveillance Unit (NSU).
He was shot dead during what garda∅ said was a very difficult operation involving the interception and confrontation of a gang.
Det Sgt Eiffe, who was in plain clothes with a fellow NSU member, was shot dead by one of the ERU officers who mistook him for an armed robber.
Father Stewart said: "No matter where he served and whatever duty he had to perform, either in uniform or plain clothes, he was a skilled and dedicated policeman. His work was at times dangerous, sensitive and extremely important, not only to the Garda but to the community as a whole."
The President, Mrs McAleese, led the official mourners along with the Tβnaiste, Ms Harney, the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, and the Minister of State, Ms Mary Wallace, who represented the Government.
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, joined the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, and the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Mr Tim Dalton. The Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, attended along with the party spokesman on Justice, Mr Alan Shatter, and former leader Mr John Bruton.
The New York Police Department was represented by Officer Jason Goldberg from Brooklyn, whose wife, Kathleen, grew up in Co Meath and who was a friend of the family. The Australian police forces were also represented.
Det Sgt Eiffe's widow and children Andrew (15), Alison (12), Michelle (10) and Rachel (2) followed his coffin, with the cortege led by the Garda band, to the village cemetery, where he was buried with full honours.