Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said Detective Gard Colm Horkan epitomized what all of us of An Garda Síochána should strive to be.
Speaking at the funeral mass of the late Detective Garda at Charestown, Co. Mayo, the Commsisioner said Detective Garda Colm Horkan epitomized what all of us of An Garda Síochána should strive to be.
“He was approachable, well known and respected in the community he served, where he policed for 21 years of his 26 years of service.
His policing service was characterized by his hard work, his diligence and in the end, at 12midnight on Wednesday evening, his service is entirely characterized by his determination and courage in the exercise of his duty, to protect this society.
We in An Garda Síochána have been overwhelmed by the support from the local communities here in County Mayo, in County Roscommon, and throughout Ireland.
Where to all of us who service, society has extended a hand of help, support and practical distance. The outpouring of condolence and support in response to Colm’s death, and also in response to the shocking manner of his death, has supported all of us who work in An Garda Síochána. May I also say, the manner of Colm’s death should not eclipse Colm’s life. Colm belong first to his family, and may I express my own sincere condolences and also those of all in AGS, to his Father Marty, sister Deirdre, brothers Aidan, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig, and the wider Horkan family.
Colm was very active in the community and an avid sportsman, and I know he took great interest in all sport, but his particular love was GAA where he excelled as a player, and he was also a committed and active club member. Colm also belonged to the wider family of AN Garda Síochána and his death has been a heavy blow to us all, but I know that the greatest burden of loss and grief will be bourne by Colm’s family and I want to assure you that you will have my and An Garda Síochána’s full support in anyway that we can help in the months and years ahead. I also wish to assure you that Colm’s name will live on, and he will be remembered within An Garda Síochána in the years ahead.
Today we grieve beside his coffin and this is only the beginning of our remembrance of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
I trust that those of us who continue to serve will honour Colm’s legacy in the manner that we conduct our duties, in the manner we protect and serve this society, and as Colm did, step forward and be counted at the crucial moment.”
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Inset: Det Garda Colm Horkan RIP.
