‘One of nature’s gentlemen’ – Detective Garda Colm Horkan laid to rest

Detective Garda Colm Horkan was was “deeply loved” and was “one of nature’s gentlemen”, mourners at his State Funeral heard today.

Hundreds of Gardaí lined the route as the 49-year-old was carried through his hometown of Charlestown, Co Mayo, to St James’ Church, the church where he was baptised, received his Communion and Confirmation.

Six of his fellow gardaí carried his coffin of Det  Garda Horkan, who was shot dead in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, on Wednesday.

A minute’s silence was observed at garda stations throughout the country at 12 noon his garda notebook, a GAA jersey from his home team in Charlestown and a Liverpool FC tie pin were all laid at the altar.

“The Liverpool motto ‘you’ll never walk alone’ summed up Colm perfectly – he never let any of his family or friends walk alone,” his brother Dermot told the mourners.

Det Garda Horkan is pre-deceased by his mother Delores and twin sister Colette.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris joined mourners in the church.