Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has paid tribute to Detective Garda Colm Horkan on the first anniversary of the Roscommon-based garda's death.
Det Horkan, 49, was fatally wounded during a shooting incident in Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June, 2020.
In a statement, Commissioner Harris said: "Today is a very sad and difficult day for Colm's family and friends, his colleagues, the local community, and An Garda Síochána.
"But as well as sadness there is great pride. Great pride in Colm as a person who was loved and respected by so many people.
"Great pride in Colm’s community spirit and desire to help and support others.
"Great pride in Colm’s 24 years of dedicated service to An Garda Síochána and the State.
"Great pride in Colm’s bravery and selflessness to protect the lives of the people he served.
"Colm was the epitome of what all of us in An Garda Síochána should aspire to be – professional, hard-working, supportive, community-focused, and brave. Colm will never be forgotten."
Det Horkan’s family have also released a statement, saying: "Colm was one of a kind and on that night of the 17th into the morning of the 18th of June Colm’s life was ended long before his time and sadly we never got the opportunity to say goodbye and to tell him how much we dearly loved him.
"Life will never be the same without Colm. With the passage of time, we now mark the first anniversary of Colm's death. As we continue to carry the deep grief that we feel with the loss of Colm, the depth and sincerity of the support from so many people has given us great comfort.
"We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support over the past twelve months."
A ceremony will be held in Castlerea this Saturday to commemorate Det Horkan with the unveiling of two plaques.
A man is due to go on trial at the Central Criminal Court later this year charged with the murder of Det Horkan.
