Quiet moment to remember Colm
MEMBERS of An Garda Siochana and the local emergency services stood for a minute’s silence outside the Drogheda station to remember Det Garda Colm Horkan.
The detective was killed while on duty in Co Roscommon last week.
Addressing officers at Sunday’s short and poignant ceremony, Supt Andrew Watters said, sadly, the force in Co Louth could recognise and feel the grief that colleagues further west are now going through.
He said Det Horkan was ‘a servant and protector of the citizens of this country’ and died doing his job.
LIKE every person in this country who heads off for a day’s work, members of An Garda Siochana have the right to come home to their families when their shift is done.
But one dark night in Co Roscommon last week, one man didn’t get to go home.
The death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan was taken like a family bereavement within the force and last Sunday, at noon, in garda stations around the country, colleagues and ex colleagues and members of the emergency services gathered for a minute’s silence as the funeral of Det Horkan took place.
In Drogheda, the heavens opened as everybody stood in tribute.
A flood of water cascaded down Fr Connolly Way, before the sunshine broke through. It was an iconic moment in many ways.
As Supt Andrew Watters addressed those present, one could sense the loss experienced by so many in the past week.
He said, sadly, the force in Co Louth could recognise and feel the grief that colleagues further west are now going through.
He said Det Horkan was ‘a servant and protector of the citizens of this country’ and died doing his job.
‘It is a stark reminder of the potential dangers and risks we all face. Like 88 other members, Colm Horkan did not come home,’ he stated.
He said it was a ‘dark day’ for the gardai, but they wanted to gather, observing the guidelines of the present world, to show the visible support of the people of Drogheda.
A book of condolence is open in Drogheda Garda Station for those wishing to send a personal message to Det Horkan’s family.