Moving send-off for a much loved son of Charlestown
It was if the birds even knew to observe a minute’s silence on Sunday last, only the trees rustled as hundreds of gardaí lined the streets of Charlestown, transforming it into a sea of blue.
As Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s coffin was carried up Chapel Street to St James’ Church, those lining the streets could only look on in disbelief that a man who was respected by so many was taken much too soon.
‘Senseless’ was a word that was reiterated by many who awaited the arrival of the funeral cortege which was given a garda escort by seven garda motorcycles, as members of numerous garda districts across Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim stood to attention in preparation to honour their colleague who had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s family, his father Marty, brothers, Aidan, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig, sister Deirdre and extended family walked behind his coffin which was draped in a tricolour and atop, his garda hat and gloves.
Before the State funeral a minute’s silence was observed, and while the streets of Charlestown were eerily quiet, so too were garda stations across the country, including Garda HQ in Dublin where Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in attendance.
A minute’s silence was also observed at fire stations across the country as Colm had previously served as a fire fighter and his brother is currently a fireman.
Chief celebrant of the Mass was Monsignor Tommy Johnston, Parish Priest of Charlestown, aided by Bishop-elect Paul Dempsey, who will be ordained as the new bishop of the diocese of Achonry on 30 August; Father Dermot Meehan, Diocesan Administrator; Monsignor John Doherty; and Father Joe Kennedy CP, Garda Chaplain, concelebrated the Mass.
‘Panis Angelicus’ filled the air as Detective Gda Horkan’s remains were brought into the church in a beautiful rendition by singers, Garda Alan McGinty and Frances McNicholas, while Rochelle O’Connor accompanied on the organ.
In an effort to sum up Colm Horkan’s life, one which mourners heard he made the most of every day, symbols were brought to the altar. They were left at the front of the altar as Colm’s brother Dermot explained their significance in his life.
A garda notebook was brought forward to symbolise Colm’s 26 years of exemplary service with An Garda Síochána.
Colm’s nephew Matthew carried a Charlestown Sarsfields GAA jersey that Colm wore with pride “every time he donned the green and white.”
The Detective Garda’s car keys were also brought to the altar as Colm had a great passion for cars.
“He loved his Audi and it shone just like him,” Dermot said. Next, a CD was brought forward to represent Colm’s love of music. He had attended many concerts and events over the years and Dermot said he was always “first in the queue for Ticketmaster.”
His brother Aidan carried a family photo to the altar to symbolise the strong bond he had with his family.
A Tommy Hilfiger shirt was also brought forward to represent Colm’s love for fashion and always looking his best.
Finally, Colm’s Liverpool tie pin was left at the altar, representing his love for Liverpool Football Club.
In an emotional address Dermot said, “The Liverpool motto of ‘You’ ll Never Walk Alone’ sums up Colm perfectly, he never let any of his family or friends walk alone.”
Words penned by a friend of Colm were also read by Monsignor Johnston communicating the shock and deep mourning the community were feeling at the loss of a man who was a brother to everyone, both young and old.
“We are heartbroken for Colm’s family, colleagues and many, many friends. It will take a long, long time for our community to come to terms with this senseless act of violence against our brother, Colm. Now Colm is God’s right-hand-man, his very best wingman.”
Quiet moments of personal grief were observed by many members of Colm’s second family the members of An Garda Síochana who filed in uniform lines as his coffin was carried out of the church to start the short journey to his final resting place as Christy Moore’s ‘ The Voyage’ was sung.
Leaving the church, the streets of Charlestown had filled with people making their way from O’Hara Park, no match day, but an honourable send off for one of their much-loved brothers.