Colm Horkan

Murder garda Colm Horkan was regarded as a family man and dedicated officer, who is greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues, writes Sinéad Hussey.

He was the glue that kept the family together and that could be said for members of An Garda Síochána as well," he added. He was truly the epitome of what it means to be a guard in this society." He was a great colleague, a great friend and a great community man. They go to the spot where he died and say a prayer for him. The rain was beating down in Castlerea the following night, he recalled, yet hundreds of people turned out for a short memorial service. To see a young man taken down in the prime of his life, doing his duty," said Fr McManus. People came to their doors to remember Colm," he said. He received the call and gathered his anointing oils and a prayer book before heading for Main Street. He put the rest of us to shame," said Mr Hynes. He was a true professional in the job. "His attention to detail in criminal investigation was exemplary. "Whether it was a community issue or dealing with serious criminal investigations, Colm did it to a very high standard.