Statement from Minister for Justice Simon Harris

"My thoughts today are with the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and with all his colleagues in An Garda Síochána.

"Colm’s murder in June 2020 shocked us all.

"It stole from his family and friends a beloved, kind and gentle man who served with duty and distinction, keeping his community safe and serving the State.

"The Colm his family and friends knew and loved so much became a personal loss for the whole country.

"A proud Mayo and GAA man; loved and respected in his community and by his colleagues; steadfast in his duties and professional and wholehearted in doing the job he loved as a Garda.

"His murder again reminded us of the risks the brave men and women of An Garda Síochána take every day to protect our communities, and the burden all Garda families carry in supporting them.

"We also remember the 88 other Gardaí who have lost their lives in the line of duty and their families today.

"Detective Garda Horkan exemplified the courage and dedication of An Garda Síochána, and I hope his family, friends and colleagues can take some comfort in justice being done today."