This year’s Garda memorial day was a tearjerker, especially after a cop got killed on duty. Garda Kevin Flatley bit the dust last Sunday after getting hit by a motorcycle at a speed checkpoint in Co Dublin. Big shots like President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and Tanaiste Simon Harris showed up at the funeral service for the 49-year-old dad of two in Balbriggan on Friday. The next day, Garda Flatley’s folks were there at the Garda memorial day at Dublin Castle. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan called it “extra sad” after losing Garda Flatley. “My heart goes out to his wife Una, their two kids Aoife and Erin, his parents, family, and pals,” he said. “I also send my condolences to the cops Garda Flatley worked with in the roads division, and all his Garda buddies.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan gives a speech during the annual Garda Memorial Day to honor the 90 members of An Garda Siochana killed in the line of duty and who gave their lives in the service of the State
(Image: PA)
O’Callaghan said Garda Flatley “was the real deal when it came to being a Garda”. “He put in the work for his community,” he said. “It’s not lost on me that Garda Flatley kicked the bucket doing what cops do every day, keeping us all safe. His death is a wake-up call about the risks of being a Garda. “Today is a chance to remember and salute the selflessness and bravery of the fallen, the brave members of An Garda Siochana who left home one day for work and tragically never returned, dying on the job.” Garda commissioner Drew Harris wanted to give a special welcome to Garda Flatley’s parents Michael and Breda at the service. “His death reminds us how fragile life is and the dangers cops face every day. “It’s a tough reminder of the pain we feel when we lose a loved one. “Sadly, we now have 90 Garda deaths on our record. Soon Kevin’s name will be added to the other 89 on our memorial, and every Garda memorial day, we’ll remember Kevin and all those who died on duty. “Today, we honor their service to the country, their dedication to making Ireland safer, their contribution to society and the state. “We pay tribute to their bravery, courage, and determination to face danger and help others. Today, we remember their sacrifice. “Their loss still hurts just as much now as it did then.”
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