Funeral of Garda killed in line of duty held in Dublin

The funeral of an Irish police officer knocked down and killed in County Dublin last weekend has been told he was “adored” by everyone in his family and that the loss they are experiencing is “heart breaking”.

Kevin Flatley, 49, died at the scene after he was hit by a motorcyclist in Lanestown, in the north of the county, shortly before 13:00 local time on Sunday.

He had been carrying out a speed checkpoint.

At his funeral in Balbriggan, Dublin, Garda Flatley’s coffin was draped with the Irish tricolour and his hat and gloves placed upon it.

Garda motorcycle colleagues from the Dublin Metropolitan Region’s roads policing unit formed a guard of honour as the hearse carrying Garda Flatley’s coffin arrived at St Peter and Paul’s Church.

Two police officers led the cortege, one carrying the Irish tricolour and the other the flag of An Garda Síochána (Irish police force).

A number of items including a fiddle, a GAA top and jersey, and a family bible which he used to read to his children, were placed at the altar to commemorate his life.

Among those who attended the funeral were Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, President Michael D Higgins, Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

A colleague, Garda Rosanna Caul, spoke of the “privilege” of working with the “family man”.

She said that on Sunday, the lives of Garda Flatley’s wife Una, and their daughters, were changed forever.

“They never imagined when Kevin went to work, that he would not return home,” she said.

“The family are so grateful to those who came to Kevin’s aid on Sunday and to everyone who has taken care of Kevin since this time.”

She said that the support which his family has received since Sunday has been “phenomenal”.

“An Garda Síochána have been unwavering in their care support and help that has been offered to the family since Kevin’s passing.

“Kevin’s memory will never be forgotten, he is forever in his children’s, family’s and friends’ hearts, and Kevin will always be cherished by everyone who knew him.”

Garda Kevin Flatley, who was a member of the roads policing unit based at Dublin Castle, is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána to be killed on duty.

The 89 other garda victims lost their lives on duty for a variety of reasons including incidents relating to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, while on anti-crime operations, and in accidents.

Following the fatal collision on Saturday, Garda Commissioner (head of the Irish police force) Drew Harris called for “a real reset” when it comes to road safety.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mr Harris said it was a “desperately sad day for An Garda Síochána”.

Following the funeral mass, Garda Flatley’s remains were taken for a private family burial in Newcastle, County Dublin.