Force in 'deep shock' following killing

Garda tributes:Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan led tributes from the Garda, church and civilian organisations across the State at the death of Det Garda Adrian Donohoe.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my colleague Det Garda Adrian Donohoe,” Mr Callinan said.

“At this time my thoughts and prayers and those of the entire force are with the family, friends and close colleagues of Adrian.”

President of the Garda Representative Association John Parker said there was “a deep shock across An Garda Síochána and Irish society” at the news that “every police family fears”.

Heinous crime

“This heinous crime highlights the dangers gardaí face in the course of their duties and must be rightly condemned,” Mr Parker said. “At this time the wider Garda family will be doing everything possible to support the late garda’s relatives and loved ones, friends and colleagues.”

He urged anyone who had any information to contact gardaí.

The Prison Officers’ Association also extended its sympathies to Det Garda Donohoe’s family. “This brave man was mown down in his prime while doing his duty on behalf of the State and all of us.”

Prayers

Cardinal Seán Brady said he was “deeply upset” to hear the news of the fatal shooting of Det Garda Donohoe. “It has shocked and horrified the entire community.

“The taking of innocent life is always wrong. Det Garda Donohoe lost his life as he carried out his duty in the service of society.”

Offering his sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues, he said: “I assure them of the support of my prayers and the prayers of the church at this terrible time”.

Prayers were said for the detective at religious services across the State.

Expressing his sympathies, Archbishop of Armagh Dr Richard Clarke said: “Those of us of religious faith will hold them in our prayers. The callous taking of any human life is a vicious insult against humanity and against the God who gives us life. The murder of a servant of society in pursuit of his or her duties is an assault on society and each one of us.”

Dr Clarke said he and Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson expressed their “absolute censure of this action and our sincere sympathy to Det Garda Donohoe’s family”.