‘The gunshots in Castlerea echoed across the country’
IN his homily at the State Funeral of Det Gda Horkan at St James’ Church on Sunday last the Parish Priest of Charlestown, Monsignor Tommy Johnston said the gunshots that rang out on that tragic night last Wednesday did not only echo in the town of Castlerea, but across the country.
“I thought, I pity the priest who has to do that funeral. Little did I think I would be that priest and that the Detective Garda was Colm.”
The Monsignor told described the Liverpool supporter as ‘a good man’ and ‘one of nature’s gentlemen’.
Dearly loved and respected by his community, the parish priest described the scenes on the street of Charlestown on Friday night last as a Charlestown son made his final trip home
“Hundreds of people lined the streets from the GAA pitch to his home...Old and young gathered for that walk with the various teams, senior and underage, women and men flanking the hearse and the following cars, a silent salute for a man whose voice was gentle and his approach respectful. That gentleness and respect earned the good will of so many and endeared him to young and old.”
In the church where Colm Horkan was baptised, where he received his First Communion and Confirmation and was a Minister of the Word, his life was being celebrated before his final farewell.
Monsignor Johnston extended sympathy to Colm’s father Marty, brothers Aiden, Brendan, Dermot, Padraig, sister, Deirdre, extended family, friends and garda colleagues.
Speaking about Colm’s life as a garda, the Monsignor said service was an apt word for him as he truly was a man of service, dedicated and diligent.
“Colm loved his life as a guard and gave it his complete commitment.”
Acknowledging the importance of gardaí, the priest said one good thing to have emerged from Covid-19 was that it has helped people to recognise the importance of frontline workers, and gardaí were especially up there.
“Their work never ceases, 24/7 a guard is on duty, in the words of a prayer they ‘watch over us while we sleep and protect us while we are awake’, under the protection of their patron, Blessed Michael, the Archangel. We thank our guards for their commitment and dedication. Long may we be blessed by men and women of true dedication and service, men like Colm Horkan.”
Mourners were told that death brings sadness, grief and loneliness, but that it also brings many questions.
“In the case of Colm, questions have us wonder why did this tragedy happen, why did Colm die, why was this life which had so much to offer taken away so soon.”
Monsignor Johnston said he could not answer those questioned, but said it seems when God takes the young he takes ‘only the very best’.
“Why? Has God some special task for them? Has God some special task for Colm? God’s plan has a purpose way beyond our imaginings. Into the darkness of grief, of sadness, of loss, of hurt, of anger God can bring a light of goodness, a ray of hope to open heart even fleetingly to the reality of his goodness. We pray for a ray of hope, a light of goodness to bring its blessings to those remembering in grief and sadness this good man, Colm.”