Detective Garda Colm Horkan, 'a man of class and dignity', is laid to rest by a heartbroken community

Hundreds of mourners turned out in Charlestown this afternoon to honour one of its most noble sons, Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

In one of the saddest and most poignant days for the east Mayo town in living memory, he was laid to rest in St. James's Church Cemetery after Requiem Mass for the repose of his gentle soul.

His State funeral was broadcast across the nation as his death, after being shot by a man in Castlerea town centre last Wednesday night while carrying out his garda duties, resulted in an immense outpouring of sorrow and grief throughout the country.

In a touching eulogy, his brother Brendan described Colm as 'a gem'.

He said: "He had all the values of a decent human being, selfless and loyal.

"Colm was the rock in our family, the glue that held it together.

"He touched the lives of so many people and always carried himself with dignity.

"Colm always believed in giving 100 per cent in everything he did. Those were the values instilled in him growing up.

"We are proud of how he led his life and he commanded respect where ever he went.

"His beaming smile would light up the room. He was always the bearer of good advice.

"He was a man of class and surely there must be a place for him at the top table in Heaven."

Brendan Horkan said the reality of what has happened has hit the family squarely in the face.

"We are struggling to come to terms with how Colm was struck down in the prime of his life while carrying out his duty.

"The outpouring of sadness at his death has provided us with great support at this time."

He said they were very thankful to all those who lined the streets of towns and villages when Colm's remains were brought home last Friday.

"We are very proud of how his memory has been honoured," he said.

Brendan added the town of Charlestown has lost a pillar.

The chief celebrant at the State funeral Mass, Monsignor Tommy Johnston, P.P., Charlestown, said Colm was 'one of nature’s gentlemen'.

"That gentleness and respect earned the goodwill of so many and endeared him to young and old."

He said his death brings sadness and grief, but also brings lots of questions.

"In the case of Colm, questions have us wondering why did this tragedy happen, why did Colm die, why was this life which had so much to offer taken away so soon.

"I cannot answer those questions, but it seems when God takes the young he takes only the very best."

He said in his role as a member of An Garda Siochana, Colm was a man of service, dedicated and diligent.

"Colm loved his life as a guard and gave it his complete commitment.

"Long may we be blessed by men and women of true dedication and service, men like Colm Horkan."

Monsignor Johnston quoted words written by a friend of Garda Horkan: "Colm was a cherished member of our community, a brother to everyone, young and old. We grew up together, played together and performed in school plays together.

"Now we are in shock and deep mourning. We are heartbroken for Colm's family, colleagues and many, many friends. It will take a long, long time for our community to come to terms with this senseless act of violence against our brother, Colm."

In his tribute at the Mass, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said Detective Garda Horkan's policing service was characterised by his hard work and diligence and the manner of his death should not eclipse his life.

He said he epitomised what all gardaí aspire to be and although his loss will be greatly felt by the garda family, the greatest loss will be felt by his family and he offered his sincere condolences to them.

Fr. Dermot Meehan, administrator of the Achonry Diocese, said the tragedy of Colm's death has caused great sadness in many communities - but the greatest sadness of all was being felt by his family.

Predeceased by his mother Dolores and twin sister Colette, he is mourned by his heartbroken family, father Marty, sister Deirdre, brothers Aiden, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig, sisters-in-law, aunts Kitty (Walsh, Charlestown), Colette (Brennan) and Vera (Hora, USA), nieces, nephews, relatives, colleagues in An Garda Siochana, neighbours and wide circle of friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

*Top photograph from the State Funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan by Alison Laredo.