The family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan say they're 'honoured and overwhelmed' that a memorial GAA pitch is being developed in memory of the late garda.
Detective Garda Horkan was killed in the line of duty in Castlerea, Co Roscommon in June.
As a tribute, an all-weather pitch will be constructed and named after the detective at the Charlestown Sarsfields club in his Co Mayo hometown.
Planning permission has been granted, with the project expected to take around three years.
It will also see the building of a community walkway, and the upgrade of existing facilities at Fr O'Hara Park.
The project is being launched this weekend, to coincide with what would have been Colm's 50th birthday,
Colm's brother Dermot told Lunchtime Live said that Colm was a person who 'had everything'.
He explained: "As a son and a brother, he was a rock in our house.
"If you needed advice, you got it off Colm - and you got the right advice. What's being launched today is a fitting tribute to the man - at least his legacy will live on for generations to come.
"We as a family are honoured and overwhelmed by this... the way people have rallied around us since Colm's death is unbelievable."
Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was killed in Roscommon in June. Photo: Garda PressDermot said the local gardaí, those who worked with Colm over the years and people in the community are 'heartbroken' by the death.
He said "We brought his funeral through Ballaghaderreen... the way they turned out, the whole community, was unbelievable."
He added that letters and cards are still arriving to the family "every day".
In terms of the memorial pitch, Dermot explained: "This started the day of his funeral... our cousin Bosco in America, who was Colm's best friend as well, started the ball rolling... he said 'something big has to happen out of this'.
"We decided we'd launch it on his birthday - it's been in the planning the last six months.
"To hear for generations to come that there's a game up on Colm Horkan's pitch... it's something we'll cherish forever."
'Giant of a man'
Liam Breheny, Charleston-Sarsfield chairman, said this weekend's launch comes after months of planning.
He told Andrea: "A plaque or a tournament didn't seem like it would fit someone who was such a giant of a man, who was such a big part of our community and our club.
"We talked to the family about it, and got their full support... a committee was formed of Colm's friends.
"After generations of being hit by immigration like the west of Ireland... we're one of the only clubs in Mayo where demographics are going up.
"Our underage is thriving, our ladies' club is thriving - so [the pitch] will fit a need and purpose."
