A plaque honouring Garda Michael Clerkin, who died following a Provisional IRA ambush in Co Laois in 1976, has been unveiled in Portarlington, Co Offaly.
Garda Clerkin was fatally injured in the line of duty in the ambush in Garryhinch Co Laois on 16 October 1976, and in 2017 was posthumously awarded a Scott Medal for Bravery.
Speaking at the unveiling this afternoon, retired Garda Sergeant Jim Cannon said he could still recall Garda Clerkin's "warm smiling face" 42 years after his death.
Garda Clerkin and Mr Cannon, along with colleagues Detective Garda Tom Peters, Detective Garda Ben Thornton and Garda Gerry Bohan attended a derelict house at Garryhinch on the Laois-Offaly border in October of 1976.
They had earlier received information that a bomb was being prepared at the house ahead of an assassination attempt on TD Oliver J Flanagan, father of current Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.
On arrival at the premises, Garda Clerkin entered the house and the bomb exploded, killing him and seriously wounding his colleagues.
Det Garda Peters lost his sight and hearing as a result of the blast.
Speaking at the site of the plaque on St Brigid's Community Centre in Garryhinch, Mr Cannon extended his good wishes and prayers to Tom Peters, who was unable to attend.
"The bombed house is no longer there but the pains and suffering are still there," Mr Cannon said.
"Michael Clerkin was a highly efficient member of An Garda Síochána. He was very involved in sporting activities, a great youth leader, a lovely man, very popular and a great colleague. Even after 42 years I still remember his warm smiling face," he said.
Minister Flanagan said the events of that night had left "irreparable memories of a very sad nature imprinted on the minds of the surviving gardaí present here this morning."
"I want to acknowledge the bravery of the five men involved. I want to acknowledge the suffering and pain that not only was endured by them but also their families," he said.
He added: "I want to acknowledge the fact that on a daily basis 24/7, in order to protect communities, gardaí have to engage in acts of bravery and courage, putting themselves and their family in danger and such was the danger in October 1976 that it had a profound effect on this community and the gentlemen I am standing with."
"From a personal point of view, this has had a lasting effect on myself and my family, because the phone call to Portlaoise was wrapped in a threat to take the life of my father.
"I want to acknowledge the manner An Garda Síochána acted on the occasion in order to protect members of my family as well as the wider community," he said.
Minister Flanagan spoke of his pleasure that the Scott Medal for bravery was awarded to the men last December, stating that it had been long overdue.
He thanked those who helped make it happen, in particular Laois/Offaly Garda Chief Superintendent John Scanlan.
Chief Supt Scanlan thanked the community for not allowing the event be "airbrushed" from history.
Michael Clerkin's sister Margaret thanked those involved in organising the event, which was attended by family members.
The event was attended by three of the Gardai who were injured in the bombing, senior gardaí both retired and serving, Assistant Commissioner Fintan Fanning, local public representatives and Offaly County Council CEO Anna Maria Delaney.
