Garda Kevin Flatley and his sister who died more than a decade ago have been reunited in heaven and are now watching over their family together, his funeral service heard yesterday. The officer’s friend and colleague Garda Rosanna Caul shared with thousands of mourners at his requiem mass in Balbriggan, Dublin, that Kevin was deeply affected by the loss of his sister Elaine, who sadly passed away in 2014. She added, “Kevin was determined to keep his sister Elaine’s memory alive. They are now together in heaven, looking out for their family as guardian angels.”
The Church of St Peter and Paul was filled to capacity, with over 1,000 people watching the funeral mass on screens outside, including hundreds of fellow gardai from all corners of the country. The 49-year-old father of two and member of the Garda Dublin Roads Policing Unit tragically lost his life five days prior while on duty in north Dublin. Garda Flatley, who dedicated over 26 years to the force, was fatally struck by a motorcycle while conducting a speed check near Swords. Among the attendees at his funeral were President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, and other high-ranking officers, who all remembered him as one of the most helpful men you could ever meet.
Originally from Newcastle, Co Dublin, Garda Flatley had been serving in An Garda Síochána for 26 years and was part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region Roads Policing Unit since 2018 when the tragic incident occurred. His funeral procession was led by two Garda members carrying the Irish national flag and the flag of An Garda Síochána, with the church bells tolling as his coffin arrived. Inside the church, members of the Garda’s Ceremonial Unit placed the national flag, along with his cap and gloves, on Garda Flatley’s coffin, accompanied by personal items representing his life, such as a fiddle, jerseys from his Gaelic Games club, O’Dwyer’s GAA, his GAA hurl, a chocolate bar, and a family Bible that he cherished reading to his daughters, Aoife and Erin.
During the service, priest Fr. Dan Joe O’Mahony extended his sympathies to Garda Flatley’s widow, Úna, and his daughters, Aoife and Erin, acknowledging the profound impact of his passing on the community. Fr. O’Mahony also emphasized the importance of road safety in Ireland, urging motorists to show courtesy and respect while sharing the roads. Garda Flatley’s colleague, Rosanna Caul, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, reminiscing about his dedication to his family, his passion for helping others, and his unwavering commitment to his community. She highlighted his love for volunteering and his active involvement in various organizations, including the Special Olympics, the Fingal Triathlon Club, and O’Dwyer’s GAA, where he served as a coach and mentor.
As the funeral service concluded, members of the Garda Ceremonial Unit presented the folded national flag, along with Garda Flatley’s gloves and cap, to his family, while his colleagues from O’Dwyer’s GAA placed a club flag on his coffin. The church echoed with applause for Garda Caul, honoring her moving tribute to her dear friend. Following the mass, Garda Flatley’s body was laid to rest at Newcastle Cemetery in Co Dublin amidst a sea of mourners paying their final respects. The legacy of Garda Kevin Flatley lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, as he is remembered for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving others.
