Tributes at ballina court to slain garda tony golden

TRIBUTES were paid to murdered Garda Tony Golden in his hometown of Ballina at the local district court.

Before the business of court began, Judge Mary Devins noted that the young garda who met his death in Co. Louth on Sunday 'while helping a member of the community in the exercise of his duty' had grown up just a short distance from the courthouse.

The judge continued: “I understand that when Garda Golden first expressed an interest in joining An Garda Síochána, Superintendent Joe Doherty, who is prosecuting here, encouraged and supported him.

“On behalf of the district court in Mayo, I would like formally to express sympathy to Garda Golden's family in Louth and in Mayo, and all his colleagues in An Garda Síochána, who must feel collective grief at this time.”

Mr. Adrian Bourke, solicitor, also expressed deepest sympathy to Garda Golden's family and the members of An Garda Síochána on behalf of the legal profession, and Supt. Doherty said he would convey the expressions of sympathy to the garda's family.

He described the deceased as a 'fine community police officer' who was 'sadly and tragically murdered' in the line of duty.

Supt. Doherty concluded by acknowledging the support of the people of Ballina at this sad time, and reminded all that a book of condolences is open in Ballina Garda Station.

Meanwhile, books of condolences are now open in the reception area of Ballina Civic Offices for Garda Golden and also for the victims who lost their lives in a fire in Carrickmines, Co. Dublin, at the weekend.