THE 88 members of An Garda Síochána who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty have been remembered in Dublin.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan was among those in attendance at the force’s annual memorial day in Dublin Castle earlier.
Minister Flanagan read the 88 names aloud with special mention made to the two most recent fallen Gardaí - Adrian Donohoe and Tony Golden.
Det Gda Donohoe was shot dead in January 2013 during an armed robbery at a credit union in Co. Louth.
Gda Golden was killed by another gunman in October 2015 while responding to a domestic abuse call, also in Co. Louth.
Minister @CharlieFlanagan: “We remember with pride the courage of those who sacrificed so much so that we may go about our daily lives without fear. On behalf of the Government, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the families of those whose lives were cut so short.” pic.twitter.com/aNul8yXm1O
— DepartmentofJustice (@DeptJusticeIRL) 19 May 2018
“Both Adrian Donohue and Tony Golden left behind wives and children, families and friends, whose grief we simply cannot hope to comprehend," said Mr Flanagan.
“We recognise also the impact of their deaths on the Gardaí in the Louth Division in particular who lost their valued colleagues in the most tragic way.
“And while there are no words of mine that could possibly assuage the grief of those who suffer so great a loss, let me say this.
“These two men were heroes.”
Minister @CharlieFlanagan: “Everyday An Garda Síochána works to protect us when we are at our most vulnerable. It is appropriate that we take a moment today to remember those members who have lost their lives over the years in service of others.” pic.twitter.com/fyOvc5OAhS
— DepartmentofJustice (@DeptJusticeIRL) 19 May 2018
Dublin Castle has been associated with An Garda Síochána since the foundation of the State - when the force took over from the Royal Irish Constabulary as Ireland's national police force on February 9, 1922.
An Garda Síochána Memorial Garden honours the members of the force who were killed in service, with their names inscribed in stone within the garden.
Minister Flanagan added: “We remember with pride the courage of those who sacrificed so much so that we may go about our daily lives without fear.
“In the proud tradition of An Garda Siochana, they committed their lives to public service, and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country."
