Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The news of the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan last Wednesday evening was met with shock, anger and sadness, not just in Roscommon but everywhere in Ireland. He was a highly respected officer and highly regarded member of the community. I did not know Detective Garda Horkan, but the outpouring of grief from those who did tells its own story. He was a decent man who was taken all too soon from those who loved him in the most dreadful of ways.

Colm Horkan was a dedicated member of An Garda Síochána. He has been praised for his extraordinary work in making Ireland a safer place for everyone in the community. Before joining An Garda Síochána, Colm was a firefighter here in Dublin. His colleagues in Dublin Fire Brigade remember him as a tireless and committed member of the team. It strikes me that Colm Horkan devoted his adult life to the service of others. We have all listened to the words of people who knew him well and they paint a picture of a man who loved life and genuinely cared for people. The people of the area of Roscommon who had him as their garda looking after them felt very privileged to have a man of his calibre looking after them in such a way. Detective Garda Horkan was a person who would walk the hard road with you and someone who would stand in your corner. He was a dedicated supporter of the GAA and was devoted to his beloved Mayo team and local club. He was an avid and passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club as well, and a person who loved music, concerts and a good laugh.

These are only glimpses of Garda Horkan, snippets of his life which was tragically cut too short. His murder is a sorrowful reminder of the stark reality that members of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day knowing they will often meet danger and harm. Those who face these risks to protect the lives of others in the community do so in a very brave way. We should be very grateful to those, like Detective Garda Horkan, who do their jobs and do them well. Through the shock, sadness and outrage at this murder, one which has rightfully consumed the emotions of the nation, we cannot lose sight of the plain and simple humanity of the loss of a fine young man.

A father has lost a cherished son and it was poignant that, on Father's Day, a father buried his son. I understand that Colm's sister was lost a couple of years ago; that family has met with great tragedy.

All of the people of the area understand that the Horkan family has been a part of the community in Charlestown for many years. I spoke to a colleague of mine from the area, Councillor Gerry Murray, who told me that the Horkan family had a pub across the road from him and ran businesses, including a taxi service, in the town for many years. Colm's father Marty is a loved member of the community and it must be acknowledged that Colm's death is a huge loss to him and to everyone in that community. The people of that area have lost a loyal friend, the Garda has lost a brave colleague and their immense pain is unimaginable.

Those who had Colm in their lives say that he would never let them down and no greater tribute can be paid to any man. On behalf of myself and Sinn Féin, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Garda Horkan and his family. Our thoughts are with them all today.

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