Community in shock at senior garda’s sudden death

THE SUDDEN death on Saturday of a Ballina-based detective garda has shocked the local community and his many colleagues within the garda force.

Detective Garda Martin Mitchell, Killala Road, Ballina, investigated many cases of serious crime in the county over the years. He was based in Ballina Garda Station and previously served in Swinford and Ballinrobe.

A popular member of the force who gave sterling service to the State, he was also a person who gave to the community on a personal level.

Martin was children's officer with Moy Valley Athletic Club who paid warm tribute to him on their Facebook page following his death on Saturday.

The tribute said: “His commitment to our club was immense and all coaches and members were lucky to have him to advise us on all child protection policies and procedures. His contribution to the club went far beyond policies and procedures as he worked tirelessly to do his best for all club members. He was a reassuring presence at club training sessions and meetings - reassurance to juvenile members that they were all trying their best and 'I’d love to be as fast as you'; reassurance to club coaches that all members were supervised appropriately.”

Detective Garda Mitchell is survived by his heartbroken wife, Helena, and two daughters, Hollie and Jane. He is also survived by his father, Padraig, brothers, Smiler and Brendan, his sister Tina as well as other relatives.

Martin will repose at his residence on the Killala Road from 3 to 8 p.m. today (Monday) and again tomorrow (Tuesday) between 3 and 8 p.m.

Funeral will arrive at St. Muredach’s Cathedral at 11 a.m. on Wednesday for Requiem Mass with burial afterwards in Leigue Cemetery.