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Garda killed at checkpoint adored by family, funeral told

PA Media A number of men in suits carry the coffin of police officer Kevin Flatley which is draped in a green and white GAA flag. A uniformed Garda officer stands to attention in front of the coffin.PA Media
Garda Flatley's coffin is carried from St. Peter and Paul's Church, Balbriggan, following his funeral service on Friday

The funeral of an Irish police officer knocked down and killed in County Dublin last weekend has been told he was "adored" by everyone in his family and that the loss they are experiencing is "heart breaking".

Kevin Flatley, 49, died at the scene after he was hit by a motorcyclist in Lanestown, in the north of the county, shortly before 13:00 local time on Sunday.

He had been carrying out a speed checkpoint.

At his funeral in Balbriggan, Dublin, Garda Flatley's coffin was draped with the Irish tricolour and his hat and gloves placed upon it.

Garda motorcycle colleagues from the Dublin Metropolitan Region's roads policing unit formed a guard of honour as the hearse carrying Garda Flatley's coffin arrived at St Peter and Paul's Church.

PA Media Seven Garda motorcycle police officers ride along the road in yellow and blue bikes and yellow high-viz jackets while around 15 other uniformed Gardai, also wearing yellow tops, stand to attention at the side of the road.PA Media
Garda motorcycle colleagues from the Dublin Metropolitan Region's roads policing unit formed a guard of honour as the hearse arrived at the church

Two police officers led the cortege, one carrying the Irish tricolour and the other the flag of An Garda Síochána (Irish police force).

A number of items including a fiddle, a GAA top and jersey, and a family bible which he used to read to his children, were placed at the altar to commemorate his life.

Among those who attended the funeral were Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, President Michael D Higgins, Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister Michelle O'Neill.

'Cherished by everyone'

PA Media A large crowd line either side of the street as a black hearse drives down it, followed by a group walking. A man holding an Irish tricolor leads the procession. PA Media
Hundreds of people lined the route as the funeral cortege arrived at St Peter and Paul's Church

A colleague, Garda Rosanna Caul, spoke of the "privilege" of working with the "family man".

She said that on Sunday, the lives of Garda Flatley's wife Una, and their daughters, were changed forever.

"They never imagined when Kevin went to work, that he would not return home," she said.

"The family are so grateful to those who came to Kevin's aid on Sunday and to everyone who has taken care of Kevin since this time."

PA Media A crowd of people in dark suits, a bald man speaks to a woman with blonde, curly hair, her back is facing the cameraPA Media
Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaks with Una Flatley (centre), the widow of Garda Kevin Flatley, following his funeral service

She said that the support which his family has received since Sunday has been "phenomenal".

"An Garda Síochána have been unwavering in their care support and help that has been offered to the family since Kevin's passing.

"Kevin's memory will never be forgotten, he is forever in his children's, family's and friends' hearts, and Kevin will always be cherished by everyone who knew him."

An Garda Síochána A man wearing an Irish police officer uniform of a yellow hi-vis jacket standing behind the open door of a police car which is stationary An Garda Síochána
Kevin Flatley had more than 26 years of service with An Garda Síochána

Garda Kevin Flatley, who was a member of the roads policing unit based at Dublin Castle, is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána to be killed on duty.

The 89 other garda victims lost their lives on duty for a variety of reasons including incidents relating to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, while on anti-crime operations, and in accidents.

Following the fatal collision on Saturday, Garda Commissioner (head of the Irish police force) Drew Harris called for "a real reset" when it comes to road safety.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mr Harris said it was a "desperately sad day for An Garda Síochána".

Following the funeral mass, Garda Flatley's remains were taken for a private family burial in Newcastle, County Dublin.