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Tributes flow for brave young
Garda
15.12.09
"Dark day for Donegal
force"
by Linda McGrory
TRIBUTES and condolences flowed locally and
nationally yesterday following the tragic death of
24 year old Garda Gary McLoughlin who was killed in
the line of duty near Bridgend in the early hours of
Sunday.
A "deeply saddened" Garda Commissioner Fachtna
Murphy said the death of the young Leitrim-born
officer starkly highlighted the dangers faced by
members of the force every day.
"Garda McLoughlin died from injuries he sustained
while on duty in the service of the community
following a road traffic collision in the early
hours of Sunday, December 13.
"At this time my thoughts and prayers - and those of
the entire force are with the family, colleagues and
friends of Garda McLoughlin. I trust that the other
people injured in the collision including Garda
McLoughlin's colleague will make a full recovery,"
said Mr Murphy.
The accident at Skeoge on the main Bridgend to
Letterkenny road, is the second tragedy to befall
the Donegal Garda Division this year following the
death of Garda Robbie McCallion in Letterkenny.
The Garda Commissioner said both deaths highlighted
"in stark terms the dangers Gardaí can face each day
as they go about their work of policing and
rendering assistance to the community". |
Justice Minister Dermot
Ahern said: "On my own behalf, and that of the
Government and the Irish people, I express heartfelt
sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of
Garda McLoughlin. His tragic and untimely death
serves as another desperately sad reminder of the
dangers which members of An Garda Síochána face, day
in day out, in endeavouring to keep us all safe.
"While nothing can be expected to console those who
have been bereaved by this death, I hope they can
draw whatever |
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comfort they can from
the fact that Gary lost his life while protecting
the community which he served as part of the highest
traditions of An Garda Síochána. Our thoughts and
prayers for a full recovery are also with his
colleague who was injured," added Mr Ahern.
Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan
added: “This is a terrible tragedy for a dutiful and
courageous young member of the Garda Síochána to
lose his life in this manner. My thoughts and
prayers are with everyone affected by this death. It
is indeed a dark day in the history of the force in
Donegal. I offer my most sincere condolences to his
immediate family in Ballinamore, County Leitrim and
of course, his many friends and colleagues."
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said the news of any death,
particularly at Christmas, caused great distress for
relatives.
"The death over the weekend of Garda McLoughlin,
while on duty, is a huge tragedy for everyone, his
family, colleagues and community in which he served.
"Our thoughts are with Gary's family at this time
and with Garda Bernard McLoughlin, that he will make
a full and speedy recovery," said Senator Keaveney.
Donegal North East T.D., Deputy Joe McHugh described
Garda McLoughlin's death as "a terrible tragedy".
“His loss will be felt by his colleagues at Buncrana
Garda Station, and by his colleagues throughout the
Donegal Division. In his time in Donegal, Garda
McLoughlin lived in Buncrana and in Letterkenny. He
was widely known in both towns, and was popular with
colleagues and friends. As a community we will all
support our dedicated Garda officers through this
very difficult time for them," said Deputy McHugh.
More tributes:
“News of Garda Gary McLoughlin's death has shaken
both the town of Buncrana and his home community in
Fenagh, Co Leitrim. I want to extend my sincerest
sympathies to Mr McLoughlin’s family and friends.
“I also want to express my sympathy to his
colleagues in Buncrana. For a Garda’s life to be
taken while he or she is carrying out their duty is
especially terrible and it is a dreadful shock for
the Garda community in the county, particularly
following the death of Garda Robbie McCallion in
Letterkenny earlier this year.” Deputy Niall Blaney.
“The community here in Buncrana, Inishowen and
Donegal are also devastated at the loss of a second
young Garda in the line of duty, in just eight
months. This tragedy is a stark reminder for us all
of the courageous work carried out by the Gardaí and
the emergency services.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude
for his dedicated service to the McLoughlin family
and on behalf of one community here in Donegal to
another in Ballinamore.
My party colleague, Cllr Martin Kenny, from Gary’s
hometown of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim has told me of
the sense of grief at the McLoughlin family’s loss
in his community. He knows the family well as has
said that you couldn’t meet more decent people."
Cllr Padráig MacLochlainn. |
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