Touching tributes to Det Garda Colm Horkan on first anniversary of his death

The family and colleagues of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan have paid heartfelt tributes to the brave officer on the fierst anniversary of his death - fatally wounded while protecting the community he served.

On the night of June 17th and into the morning of June 18th 2020 Det Garda Horkan (49), went to work for what would tragically be his last tour of duty. He was shot dead while on duty in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

In a statement the Horkan family said they had lost "a son, a brother, an uncle, his friends and work colleagues lost a dear friend."

"Colm attended for work in Castlerea at 16.00 hrs and this was tragically his final tour of duty when he was murdered in the most brutal way that anyone can imagine.

"Colm would have turned 50 in December 2020, he attended every party and function that was been held, always dressed impeccably and had a word for everyone in a quiet unassuming way.

"For the many people who knew Colm and those of you who didn’t, his infectious smile would brighten up any occasion and leave a lasting impression in any room or place.

D/Garda Colm Horkan was a proud, popular, respected member of An Garda Síochána who loved his job and wore the uniform with great pride while serving the community for over twenty-five years.

""He was kind, thoughtful and a selflessly loyal gentleman to all he encountered both on a personal and professional level. Colm was one of a kind and on that night of the 17th into the morning of the 18th of June Colm’s life was ended long before his time and sadly we never got the opportunity to say goodbye and to tell him how much we dearly loved him. Life will never be the same without Colm.

"With the passage of time, we now mark the first anniversary of Colm's death. As we continue to carry the deep grief that we feel with the loss of Colm, the depth and sincerity of the support from so many people has given us great comfort. We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support over the past twelve months.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Today is a very sad and difficult day for Colm’s family and friends, his colleagues, the local community, and An Garda Síochána," said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in a message to the slain Garda's family and colleagues

"But as well as sadness there is great pride.

"Great pride in Colm as a person who was loved and respected by so many people.

"Great pride in Colm’s community spirit and desire to help and support others.

"Great pride in Colm’s 24 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the State.

"Great pride in Colm’s bravery and selflessness to protect the lives of the people he served.

"Colm was the epitome of what all of us in An Garda Síochána should aspire to be – professional, hard-working, supportive, community-focused, and brave. Colm will never be forgotten.

"This Saturday there will be a ceremony in Castlerea to commemorate Colm and the unveiling of two plaques. A video of the ceremony will be made available on Garda social media channels afterwards.

"It is just one of many fitting tributes to the memory of Colm as a person and a member of An Garda Síochána.

"Our thoughts today, and always, are with Colm’s family, friends and colleagues."