Colm had many friends in the local community
BISHOP of Elphin Kevin Doran described the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan as deeply sad.
He said: “In recent weeks there has been much emphasis on the generous service of what we now call our ‘frontline workers’, often at great personal risk. This was brought into sharp relief by the murder of a garda on duty last night here in our own Diocese.
“The taking of a human life is always gravely sinful, but there is something particularly disturbing about the killing of someone who was actively engaged in protecting our community.”
Bishop Doran said that “the gift of life” was given to Garda Horkan “as to each one of us, by a God who loves him.”
“I join with all those who, this morning, offer sympathy and the promise of prayers to the deceased Garda’s family and friends, as well as to his colleagues in Castlerea and throughout An Garda Síochána. May he rest in peace,” Bishop Doran added.
Two brothers of the late Detective Garda Horkan work in Ireland West Airport in Knock and a statement from the airport expressed its deepest sympathies to the late garda’s family.
“Ireland West Airport wishes to express our deepest sympathies to the Horkan family and An Garda Síochána on the tragic passing of Detective Colm Horkan, a native of nearby Charlestown. Colm was a brother of Ground services staff member Padraig Horkan and Brendan Horkan, a staff member with Car hire firms Avis and Budget, based at the airport. Colm had many friends at the airport and was a hugely popular and respected person in the local community and beyond. Ar dheist Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”