Tributes pour in after brave Cavan Garda killed on duty

Tributes have poured in for Cavan born Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe after he was ruthlessly killed on duty last night. Originally from Kilnaleck, the married father was killed without warning outside a credit union in Bellurgan, Jenkinstown, Co Louth at about 9.30pm on Friday. Gardaí have said Detective Donohoe based at Dundalk Garda Station, had not produced his weapon when the raider opened fire on him. It is understood he was fatally shot in the head, believed to be with a shotgun. Detective Donohoe was reportedly on escort duty with his colleague Detective Garda Joe Ryan at the credit union, which is open late on Fridays. It is thought that the killing was carried out by a gang of four armed men, lying in wait, to hold up staff at gunpoint as they were leaving to deposit money in Dundalk. An RTE report claimed that Detective Donohoe had approached the car when he was shot. The gang made their escape in a dark-coloured car. Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Dundalk Garda Station on 042-938840 or 1800-666111. Commissioner Martin Callinan held a garda case conference in Dundalk on Saturday morning. Cavan County Board were amongst those to express their sympathy. "The board and officers of Cavan County Board wish to extend their sympathies to the family, colleagues, friends and club members of former County minor and U-21 player, Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, following his tragic death in the course of duty last night. Ar dheis de go raibh a h-anim dilis," read a statement. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was deeply shocked and saddened by Detective Donohoe's killing. "This was an outrageous act of cold blooded violence that has left a family without a husband and father and the Garda Siochana without a brave and valued member. "On behalf of the Government and of the people I would like to express my condolences to Adrian's wife and children and to all his extended family at this unbearably sad time. "I would also like to express my deepest sympathies to Commissioner Martin Callinan and all of Adrian's colleagues in An Garda Siochana who I know will spare no effort in bringing to justice those responsible for this appalling crime." Speaking on RTE Radio 1 on Saturday morning Justice Minister Alan Shatter described the shooting as a "brutal and callous murder of a brave gard, Det Garda Adrian Donohoe." Minister Shatter expressed his sympathy to Gda Donohoe's family: "My heart goes out to his wife Caroline, his children and his extended family, also to members of the Garda force." President Michael D Higgins described the killing as "a dreadful crime" adding that all of Ireland "will be truly appalled by it".