The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Sheahan has expressed his sympathies to the family and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday night (17 June 2020) in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Mayor Sheahan has opened a book of condolences in his memory.
Mayor Sheahan said: “The murder of Detective Horkan has shocked the entire country and once again highlighted the dangers that members of An Garda Síochána can face on a daily basis. We are extremely fortunate that this kind of incident does not happen too often, but when it does it the tragic ramifications are immense, for the force and especially the family involved.”
“People in Limerick are all too aware of the consequences of this type of incident. The murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and the attempted murder of Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan in 1996 still resonates today for the force in limerick and especially for the McCabe and O’Sullivan families who have to live daily with their loss.”
“May he rest in peace.”
“I have also instructed that the Irish flag be flown at half-mast outside our Council offices in memory of Detective Garda Horkan.”
Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Adam Teskey who is Chair of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee added: “I would like to express my sincere condolences and those of the JPC members to the family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan and to An Garda Síochána, who have lost one of their own.”
“We all work together on the JPC to help protect and serve our communities and this tragic incident will undoubtedly have an impact on serving members.”
“It is clear from the outpouring of grief and expressions of sympathy that Detective Horkan was much loved and admired and he will be greatly missed.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this is an online book of condolence - available here, which will remain open until 26 June 2020. This book will be collated and forwarded to the Chief Superintendent in Limerick for forwarding to the family of the late detective.