The parents of Siobhán Phillips, the 21-year-old mother who was critically injured in Sunday's shooting in Omeath in Co Louth, have paid tribute to Garda Anthony Golden who was shot dead in the same incident, saying he “laid down his life for (our) daughter.”

Both Siobhain and Garda Golden were shot in a domestic violence incident at her home.

Her parents have issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and colleagues of Garda Anthony Golden.

“Garda Golden, in the service and protection of others, laid down his life for my daughter Siobhan, myself and my family,” they said.

“There are no words to express our gratitude for his bravery, we are forever in his debt.”

The Taoiseach End Kenny told The Pat Kenny Show the murder of Garda Golden was "horrific" and "unspeakable".

Mr Kenny said he knows the area Garda Golden originally came from in Mayo and was aware of his community work.

"I know the location that Tony comes from, his membership of the Ballina Stephenites and the community work that he did in Blackrock, in a very generous way."

Ms Philips is currently in Beaumont Hospital, and “is fighting for her life,” her parents said.

“For now, we pray for Siobhan's recovery and for the family of Garda Golden as they face their immeasurable grief.

“We ask for privacy for our family and Siobhan's small children at this time,” they added.

The gunman, 24-year-old Adrian Crevan Mackin, was on bail following charges last January of membership of a dissident republican group.

A State funeral for Garda Golden will be held at noon tomorrow at St Oliver Plunkett Church in Blackrock, Co Louth. He is the 88th member of the force to be killed in the history of the State.

The Dáil and Seanad will not sit tomorrow due to the funeral. Both houses of the Oireachtas took the decision this morning.

A number of Committee meetings also scheduled to take place are expected to also be cancelled.