Detective Garda Colm Horkan RIP (23/6/20)

The funeral mass for Detective Garda Colm Horkan took place at St. James’ Church, Charlestown, Mayo on Sunday 21 June 2020 followed by private burial at adjoining cemetery.

Colm was a talented sportsman and GAA fanatic, Colm represented Mayo at Under-21 . He was part of the Charlestown Sarsfields team that won County and Connacht senior titles in 2001. He also coached GAA.

The State Funeral for Colm was held in the Church of St James in Charlestown, the same church where he was baptised, received his First Communion and made his Confirmation. 

The funeral was attended by Commissioner Drew Harris and Minister for Justice & Equality Charles Flanagan TD. 

Nearly a thousand people watched the mass on a big screen from the nearby Fr O’Hara Park, while colleagues of Colm from Roscommon/ Longford and Mayo Divisions lined the streets outside the church. 

The funeral was also streamed online for personnel and members of the public to say goodbye to Colm. 

A minute’s silence was observed at 12 noon around the country to remember Colm and the sacrifice he made in protecting the community he served. 

The start of the minute's silence was marked by Sergeant Sinead Reilly ringing the Peace Bell in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin in the company of President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attended a ceremony with Garda personnel at Garda Headquarters.

Thousands of Garda personnel, retired members of An Garda Síochána, colleagues of other frontline services and the public stood outside Garda Stations or in their homes all over Ireland to pay their respects to Colm. 

Colm was the 89th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty. His death is a stark reminder of the enormous sacrifices that Gardaí make to keep people safe. Thank you to Colm and to everyone in our Garda family for your dedication and service. 

Videos:

21 June 2020

22 June 2020