Mourners at separate funerals of two gardai killed in a car accident this week heard them described as lively young men who died tragically while carrying out their duties as guardians of the peace.
Garda Garreth Harmon (28) and Garda Conor Griffin (25) were buried with full honours at separate concelebrated State funerals in Co Dublin yesterday. The men died early last Monday after their unmarked car veered out of control while they were responding to a request for assistance from a patrol car pursuing another vehicle.
Hundreds of uniformed Garda colleagues, including members from Finglas station where the two men were stationed, joined family and friends for their funerals.
Garda Harmon was described by the parish priest of St Maur's church in Rush as someone with a great sense of humour whose life was opening before him. Father John Stokes asked mourners to pray that he rests in peace.
Garda Griffin was described by Father Philip Bradley at his funeral Mass in St Mary's Church, Lucan village, as "a man of great joy, great craic, great energy".
Father Bradley said Garda Griffin died while responding to a call to bring peace. "That is something we all rely on and are indebted to the Garda Siochana for and our prayer now is that he has eternal peace," he added. ine and Elena and girlfriend Jo read prayers of the faithful. Garda Griffin was buried in Esker cemetery.
The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, attended both men's funerals. The president, Mrs McAleese, was represented at both funerals.