Taoiseach cuts ribbon at opening of Colm Horkan GAA facility in Mayo
Taoiseach Simon Harris said today that the death of Garda Colm Horkan almost four years ago is a painful reminder of the personal risk that gardai take every day to keep the public safe.
“Each and every day the men and women of An Garda Siochana put the welfare of others ahead of themselves”, Mr. Harris told a large gathering at the official opening of the 'Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Community Walkways' in Charlestown.
He continued: “They bravely shoulder the burden of standing between us and danger.
“Colm’s sacrifice can never be repaid and I know my words today cannot ease the pain of the Horkan family, pain they still feel so vividly today.
“Our duty is stand by an Garda Siochana because from time to time there are some in this country who have not always done so – to their eternal shame”.
Mr. Harris performed the official ribbon cutting of the new pitch and walkway – a €1.5 million project - dedicated to the memory of the slain garda in his native town.
An Taoiseach was joined at the ceremony by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, and Ministers of State, Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon, as well as local TDs and councillors.
Mr. Harris noted that 89 garda officers have lost their lives in the line of duty in the past 102 years and that Colm Horkan was the last such victim.
Detective Garda Horkan (49) was murdered while on duty during an incident in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, shortly before midnight on June 17, 2020.
In March of last year, a jury at the Central Criminal Court found Stephen Silver, who shot Garda Colm Horkan 11 times with his garda issued pistol, guilty of capital murder.
Stephen Silver is now serving a 40 year jail term.
Accompanied by Colm’s father, Marty, and other Horkan family members, Taoiseach Harris performed the official ribbon cutting of the new complex.
In a traditional blessing ceremony, local parish priest, Fr. Tommy Johnston sprinkled holy water.
Funding for the ambitious venture was generated by a huge fundraising drive, locally, nationally and internationally.
Liam Breheny, chairman of Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club, a cousin of Colm Horkan’s, described Colm as much more than a guardian of the peace.
“He was a beloved son and brother, a total friend and passionate sportsman," he stated.
“This ground will serve as a lasting tribute to Colm, a testament to his courage, his kindness and his enduring spirit," Mr. Breheny continued.
In a message published in a special brochure printed to mark today’s official opening, the Horkan family thanked everyone who played a role in the completion of the pitch and walkway project.
The message continued: “It is through your collective belief in the power of community and the enduring legacy of our son and brother that we have been able to achieve this remarkable milestone.
“Together we have transformed loss into a legacy of love and camaraderie."