Local tribute paid as slain detective is laid to rest
Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who died following a shooting incident at the Lordship Credit Union at Bellurgan, near Dundalk.
Heartfelt tribute was paid in Donegal yesterday to Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, who was killed during a robbery at a credit union near Dundalk last Friday.
Around 4,000 attended the state funeral of the 41-year-old father of two yesterday at St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church, Dundalk, among them his uncle Bartley Cahill of Donegal Town, whose sister Peggy is Gda Donohoe’s mother.
It is estimated that up to 2,500 of those attending were members of An Garda Síochána. Garda colleagues from Donegal travelled by coach to attend the funeral.
Supt. Leo McGinn of Ballyshannon Division, who is understood to be a friend of the family, was also there. A native of Co. Monaghan, he served for many years in Dundalk, first as a Sergeant and then as an Inspector. Although Supt. McGinn was not available for comment, Inspector Denis Joyce, also of Ballyshannon Division, said: “Supt. McGinn would have worked closely over the years with both Adrian Donohoe and his wife Caroline, who is also a guard.” Inspector Joyce added: “The death of Det Gda Donohoe has sent shock waves through the Garda force. However, it hasn’t dampened our resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Adrian was from a very well known family with many connections within the police force. Like many other gardaí, he was very actively involved in his local community, assisting in the running of local clubs and societies. He will be sadly missed by all, especially his collegues, his wife Caroline and two young children. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to them and to his extended family.”
Inspector Joyce thanked all those who have been calling to Ballyshannon Garda Station, where there is a Book of Condolences, following the death of Det Gda Donohoe.
Det Garda Donohoe was the first member of the force to be shot dead on duty since 1996. His death resonated especially strongly in Donegal, where two gardaí lost their lives while on duty in recent years.
In December 2009, Gda Gary McLoughlin, a 24-year-old native of Leitrim serving in Buncrana, died after his car was rammed on the N13 between Burt and Bridgend. In April of the same year, Gda Robbie McCallion (29), who was from Swinford, Co. Mayo, died after he was struck by a car while on duty in Letterkenny.
Editorial Comment, Page 14.
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Tuesday 18 June 2013
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