Books of condolence opened in Cavan and Monaghan for Det Gda Colm Horkan

Books of condolence have been opened in Garda Stations in tribute to the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was tragically shot while on duty in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

Gardaí are asking members of the public to bring their own pen to avoid the potential spread of Covid-19.

Charlestown Parish Priest Fr Tommy Johnston described Colm as a gentle individual who “always had a smile on his face."

“I was only telling someone earlier that God only takes the best,” he stated.

“Colm was a gentle fellow, and he was the same with everyone. It’s so sad. He was such a lovely guy.

“His whole family are well respected in the town. He was a fine man,” said Fr Johnston.

The post mortem has now been completed and Det Horkan's body is expected to be released to his family in Charlestown for burial in the next few days.

His State funeral will be subject to COVID-19 restrictions, but gardaí are examining in conjunction with the family a number of options by which members of the public and his garda colleagues can pay their respects in safety.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the Castlerea Town Centre area between 11pm on Wednesday night and 12:30am Thursday morning, particularly any road users who may have dash cam footage, to contact the incident room in Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1635.

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and remains in custody at Castlerea Garda Station.