The ultimate sacrifice: Garda killed in late night shooting incident is named
The Garda who was killed in the late night shooting incident in county Roscommon has been named as Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris this morning paid tribute to the fallen officer, who is the first Garda to be killed in the line of duty since Adrian Donohoe was shot dead in 2013.
Commissioner Harris said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
“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.”
The fatal shooting of Detective Garda Horkan remains under investigation.
The armed detective, who was originally from Co Mayo, was on duty on his own in Castlerea when he was shot just before midnight.
A man in his 40s has been arrested and is being held at Castlerea Garda Station. A murder investigation is under way.
Gardai have appealed to witnesses or anyone with information about the shotting to contact Castlerea Garda Station at 094 962 1635.
