In memory of Garda Colm Horkan who tragically lost his life nearly four years prior while on duty, a new community walkway and sports field have been inaugurated in Charlestown, Mayo, the town of his birth. The €1.5 million project is a permanent honour to Horkan, who was a keen sports enthusiast.
Simon Harris, An Taoiseach, was joined by a number of notable figures at the dedication ceremony, including the Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon, Ministers of State, as well as the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, together with numerous local councillors and TDs.
In his speech, Taoiseach Harris acknowledged the constant danger and sacrifice law enforcement officers like Garda Horkan face in their efforts to protect citizens. He expressed his deep respect for the men and women of An Garda Siochana who dedicate their lives to the wellbeing of others, as he addressed the audience at the inauguration of the ‘Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Community Walkways’ in Charlestown.
Acknowledgeing that his words might not lessen the loss for the Horkan family, Harris emphasized the importance of always standing by An Garda Siochana.
In the course of the last 102 years, 89 officers have lost their lives while serving their duties, with Garda Horkan sadly being the most recent victim. On June 17th, 2020, Horkan was fatally shot in Castlerea, Co Roscommon while on duty. The man responsible for this crime, Stephen Silver, was found guilty of capital murder by a Central Criminal Court jury in March the following year, after firing 11 shots from Garda Horkan’s service pistol. Currently, Silver is enduring a 40-year sentence.
Marty Horkan, father of the late Garda Colm Horkan, expressed his deep sorrow over his son’s passing as Stephen Silver was given a life sentence for the murder. Alongside other members of the Horkan family, Marty participated in the ceremonial inauguration of a new complex, officiated by Taoiseach Harris.
A customary blessing rite saw Fr Tommy Johnston, a local parish priest, sprinkle sacred water. Funding for this substantial project was accumulated via an extensive fundraising effort both domestically and internationally.
The chairman of Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club, Liam Breheny, who is also a relative of Colm Horkan, portrayed Colm as more than a peacekeeper. He was a cherished family member, a reliable friend, and an avid sports enthusiast, according to Breheny.
Breheny also iterated that this venue will forever honour Colm’s memory, signifying his courage, warmth, and unfaltering spirit. The Horkan family acknowledged all those involved in finalising the pitch and walkway project in a statement released in a special brochure printed for the official opening on Sunday.
The family’s message went on to convey that it is the common faith in community power and the continued influence of their son and sibling that led to the realisation of this extraordinary milestone. It emphasised that the shared grief had been turned into a testament of affection and mutual support.