Garda Colm Horkan Remembered As 'One Of Nature's Gentlemen'

The funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan has heard how he was one of nature's gentlemen - and that his death spread a story of tragedy and sadness right across the country.

The 49-year-old is being remembered after he was shot dead in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on Wednesday night.

Hundreds of Gardaí performed a guard of honour from his home in Charlestown, Co Mayo to St James' Church ahead of the service.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance was limited - but friends and neighbours have gathered at the local GAA club to watch the funeral on a screen.

Crowds watch as the body of Garda Colm Horkan arrives at St James' Church in Charlestown, Co Mayo. Picture by: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Monsignor Tommy Johnston, parish priest of Charlestown, led the mass.

"The gunshots that rang out in the early hours of Wednesday morning echoed not just in the town of Castlerea but right across the country, spreading a story of tragedy and sadness and the loss of life of a detective garda."

A Garda notebook, a Charlestown Sarsfield GAA jersey, his car keys, a CD - showing his love of music - a family photo, a shirt symbolising "his love of fashion", and a Liverpool tie pin were offered as symbols by members of his family.

Monsignor Johnston said "hundreds of people" lined the streets on Friday night as his body was brought back home.

"Old and young gathered for that walk with the various teams, senior and underage, women and men flanking the hearse and the following cars, a silent salute for a man whose voice was gentle and his approach respectful.

"That gentleness and respect earned the good will of so many and endeared him to young and old."

A minute's silence is held at Garda Headquarters in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Picture by: Tom Douglas

A minute's silence was held earlier at Garda stations across the country as the funeral got underway.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar observed it at Garda Headquarters in Dublin's Phoenix Park, along with members of the force.

The Peace Bell was rung at Áras an Uachtaráin, where the Tricolour is being flown at half-mast.