Garda Tony Golden’s funeral will be held on Thursday

The State funeral of Garda Tony Golden will take place on Thursday, it has been confirmed.

Garda Golden was shot dead after responding to a domestic disturbance in Omeath, Co Louth, on Sunday.

The gunman has been identified as dissident republican Adrian Crevan Mackin, who was out on bail at the time of the shooting.

Garda Golden’s remains will repose at his home from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday, before being removed to St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock near Dundalk on Thursday for funeral mass at noon.

This will be followed by burial at St Paul’s, Haynestown, Co Louth.

His funeral notice describes Garda Golden as an “adored dad” and a “dedicated member of An Garda Síochána” who will be “forever missed” by his wife, children, parents, siblings, relatives, friends and colleagues.

His relatives have requested family flowers only, with any donations to be sent to the North Louth Hospice and Homecare Foundation in Dundalk.

Minute’s silence

A minute’s silence was held in the Dáil today for Garda Golden and the victims of the Carrickmines halting site fire, ahead of the budget announcement.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid tribute to the garda, saying that his “passion for public service was cruelly taken from this life while carrying out his public duty.

“That passion and public duty will forever counter the capacity for casual destruction.”

Mr Kenny said: "He will be so sadly missed by his beloved family and especially by Nicola and their three beautiful children, to whom we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy, and to his heartbroken colleagues in An Garda Síochána and the community with whom he serviced so generously.

“It will be difficult, it might now seem impossible, for those who remain to find their coordinates of sense and survival for the dark weeks and months and years ahead.

Referring to the Carrickmines and Omeath tragedies, Mr Kenny said: “Their lives within those precious, short lives will be forever cherished by those they leave behind.

“The Tricolour will fly at half mast on all public buildings on the occasion of the funerals.”