The Garda Commissioner has officially opened a garden of reflection at Dundalk Garda Station in Co Louth in honour of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and Garda Tony Golden.
The two members of An Garda Síochána were shot dead while in the line of duty in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
Their family members attended the opening ceremony today as did many serving and retired members of the force from across the division and beyond.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan was greeted at Dundalk Garda Station by Commissioner Justin Kelly this morning before he was given a formal guard of honour.
During the ceremony, a plaque in memory of Detective Garda Donohoe and Garda Golden was unveiled in the garden of reflection, which is located within an internal courtyard at the garda station.
Wreaths were laid and the members of the Garda Band played The Last Post and Amhrán na bhFiann.
Detective Garda Donohoe was born in January 1972 in Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan. He grew up on a small farm with his three brothers and two sisters.
He was a keen Gaelic footballer and played midfield for his local club before going on to represent Cavan GAA at Under-21 level. He joined An Garda Síochána in 1994 and was married with two children.
On the night of 25 January 2013, Detective Garda Donohoe and his colleague Detective Garda Joe Ryan were on a routine cash escort and entered the car park of Lordship Credit Union near Dundalk, Co Louth.
A dark coloured car with up to four people inside of it entered the car park. One person got out of this car and fired a shot fatally injuring Detective Garda Donohoe.
Garda Golden came from Ballina, Co Mayo but was stationed in Omeath, Co Louth. He was married with three children.
At the age of 36, he was murdered as he responded to a domestic violence incident in Omeath on 11 October 2015.
That evening, Garda Golden was unarmed and entered a property knowing that the alleged offender was inside. After a short period of time, three gunshots were heard in quick succession and after a brief pause, three more shots rang out.
Garda Golden was discovered lying in the hallway of the house by his colleague, Garda Gerard O’Callaghan, who was on patrol in the Cooley area at the time. His serious gunshot injuries proved fatal.
During this afternoon’s ceremony, Commissioner Kelly said today was an opportunity to celebrate the lives of "these two remarkable men who were struck down in the course of their duties".
He said: "Today we pay tribute to their sacrifice by providing a place of sanctuary here at their former station. This will be a place where those who knew them can retreat to and where those who never knew them can reflect on their service and commitment to An Garda Síochána.
"It is my great privilege to be present for the unveiling and to speak to you about what it symbolises," he added.
Commissioner Kelly said: "Days, months and years have passed since Adrian and Tony last walked the halls here in Dundalk station, but their presence is still felt within these walls. This is why this project was undertaken, and now, with the installation of this garden and memorial piece, their names have a permanent place here."
He went on to say: "Its shoots of growth each season will remind us of Adrian and Tony’s enduring strength and courage. When the sun shines and the flowers bloom, we will remember the warmth and colour that Adrian and Tony brought to so many. In the greenery of the foliage, we are reminded of their dedication and commitment to the people of Ireland."
The Garda Commissioner also thanked the members of the Donohoe and Golden families for attending the ceremony this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice said he hoped the legacies of both Detective Garda Donohoe and Garda Golden would help to inspire the next generation of the force.
Minister O’Callaghan said: "I hope this garden will be a place for people to reflect, to remember and to revere the lives of two remarkable men. I hope it becomes a place where the memories of both Adrian and Tony are cherished, and where their example will continue to inspire all who visit now and for generations to come.
"Every day, members of An Garda Síochána across Ireland protect our communities. They show bravery in the face of danger. They put the welfare of others before their own. They stand between us and harm, safeguarding our communities and our freedoms. Sometimes, tragically, that service comes with the highest possible cost," he said.
Before the plaque was unveiled, Chief Superintendent for the Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division, Alan McGovern thanked all those who were involved in keeping the memory of Detective Garda Donohoe and Garda Golden alive.
He said: "A commemoration team have designed a memorial piece, softly lit, not just with light, but with memory. The light reminds us that even in the darkest moments, Adrian and Tony’s presence still shines true, guiding us steady and strong.
Together with the bench, marked with the infinity symbol and crafted with care by a garda colleague, this place will hold their legacy. A space for reflection, remembrance and a love that never ends.
"We did pray to Adrian and Tony for some water for our garden. I think they have excelled in that regard," Chief Superintendent McGovern remarked about today’s inclement weather conditions.
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