Funeral of garda hit by stolen car

Like the rest of his class, Garda Michael Padden (27) had been looking forward to "a long and happy career in the force" when he graduated from the Garda Training College in Templemore last year, mourners at his funeral Mass were told yesterday.

"He was called out on Sunday morning to protect citizens like ourselves and he lost his life in the line of duty," said Father Joe Kennedy.

Chief celebrant at the funeral Mass in the St Paul of the Cross church in Mount Argus, Dublin, Father Kennedy said Garda Padden, "with his genial personality and sense of humour" quickly made friends at Donnybrook Garda station "among both his colleagues and the local community".

He joined the Garda in January 1998 and was posted to Donnybrook after graduating in January last year.

Garda Padden, from Belmullet, Co Mayo, was one of two gardaí killed when a stolen car hit their patrol car on Sunday morning, on the Stillorgan dual carriageway in south Dublin.

He is survived by his mother, Ms Angela Padden, who was at yesterday morning's service.

His father, Mr Michael-John Padden, who had also been a Garda, died nine years ago. Garda Padden was an only child.

He is survived by his mother, his aunt, Ms Marian Padden, and uncles, Mr Eamonn Padden and Mr Paddy-Joe Padden.

Garda Anthony Tighe (53), the other garda killed on Sunday, was also based in Donnybrook.

Father Kennedy spoke of Garda Padden's love of sport. "Like myself," he said, "he was a lover of Gaelic games. He played with the Garda E-Division Gaelic football team, as well as for the local team in Belmullet.

"He was also an avid follower of Liverpool football club. You'll never walk alone," said Father Kennedy.

He also referred to Garda Padden's girlfriend, Ms Lisa Nills, from Vancouver, Canada. She was accompanied by her mother, Ms Teresa Nills, who travelled from Canada on Monday.

Also present were his former classmates at Templemore, among them Garda Mark Deasy, Garda Niall Deegan and Garda Declan McGlynn, with whom he shared a house in Churchtown.

The President, Mrs McAleese, and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, attended. Also in attendance were Mr Alan Shatter TD, Mr Michael Noonan TD, Mr Eoin Ryan TD, as well as Mr George Maybury, General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

After funeral Mass tomorrow at the Church of Our Lady of Dolours in Shanahee, Garda Padden will be buried in Emlybeg, Co Mayo.