A woman who died in a fire on a boat in Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Leitrim was an off-duty member of An Garda Síochána.
The blaze happened early yesterday morning and emergency services were called to the scene at around 8am.
Gardaí say the woman, named as Detective Garda Deirdre (Dee) Finn from Balinteer, Dublin, was attached to Dún Laoghaire Garda Station.
Her body was removed to Sligo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
The scene has been preserved for a technical examination and the boat removed to a secure location.
A garda family liaison officer has been provided to Ms Finn's family.
Garda management expressed condolences to her family.
They said support would be provided to them, as well as her colleagues locally and within the wider organisation where required.
'A very big heart and a very big smile'
Det Finn was a woman with "a very big heart and a very big smile" who had completed the prestigious Shannon Boat Rally shortly before her tragic death, said Kay Baxter, President of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, which operates the annual event.
Speaking from the town, Ms Baxter said: "The atmosphere here is one of disbelief and shock.
"Deirdre was well known in our boating community - we are like one big family and we all help one another out and everybody knows everybody.
"She had just taken part in the Shannon Boat Rally, which ended on Sunday.
"Our hearts go out to her father and brothers, her extended family and all her colleagues in An Garda Síochána."
The IWAI chief described Det Finn as a woman with "a very big heart and a very big smile".
"She made friends easily and will be very sadly missed," she added.
'Talented crime investigator'
The Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors paid tribute to Det Finn on social media.
GRA President Brendan O'Connor said the association is "devastated at the loss of a colleague and friend" adding that she was "a talented crime investigator".
He said: "Detective Garda Deirdre Finn - known as Dee - had served in the force almost 30 years and was planning to retire and enjoy the next chapter in her life.
"She made a huge contribution to the GRA over the years and was very active in the organisation."
He said Det Finn was a "second generation" garda.
"Dee was not only an excellent advocate for her colleagues but also for the victims of crime," Mr O'Connor added.
"She made a big impression on everyone she met and her colleagues are devastated by her death."
AGSI General Secretary Antoinette Cunningham said Det Finn's death was "unspeakably sad" and their "thoughts and condolences" are with Det Finn's family.
