Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s father has described his son as “one wonderful gentleman” who did everything in his power to help those around him.

He was speaking after Stephen Silver of Foxford, County Mayo, was handed the mandatory life sentence for murdering Detective Garda Horkan while he was on duty.

Silver shot the detective eleven times with his own gun after stealing it from him as he tried to arrest him in Castlerea in June 2020.

In his victim impact statement, Detective Horkan’s father, Marty, described his son as “reliable and honest” and he said he was proud of the gentleman he became.

Because he killed a garda in the course of his duties, Silver will not be eligible for parole for at least 40 years.

'Very tough three years'

Speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) this afternoon, his father Marty Horkan said his family is relieved to have gotten justice after a “very tough three years”.

“At least justice has been done to Colm because he was a perfect gentleman,” he said.

“He was my son and I was proud of him – and I am proud of him.”

"We got justice for Colm and that’s what he deserved because he was one wonderful gentleman,” he said.

Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s father Marty outside the Criminal Courts of Justice after Stephen Silver was sentenced to life in prison, 19-04-2023. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

He said his son’s loss is immeasurable to his family and the wider community.

“To our town, to our football club – he was a very important part and a very great member of it.

“He played for our club and he worked within the club at all times.

“He worked everywhere and anywhere for anybody that he could help at all times – he was a wonderful, wonderful son.”

"He was a wonderful, wonderful son."

Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s father speaks out after his son's murderer received a mandatory life sentence. pic.twitter.com/ytNzBS6E7a

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) April 19, 2023

"Lonely nights"

Mr Horkan said he will miss his son terribly.

“We’ve had lonely nights at home without him,” he said.

“It’s a sad house and it has been but at least we can go forward from today.”

"I hope he has to serve every day of it"

He was reluctant to comment on the man who was convicted of the murder, noting: “I don’t have much to say for him except maybe, I feel sorry for his mother”.

“It took him two-and-a-half years to apologise to me and my family,” he said.

“Two-and-a-half years after he came out with an apology and I can safely say he was advised by his legal team to do that and otherwise he wouldn’t have done it.

“That’s all I want to say.”

Asked about the 40-year sentence, he said: “He got justice for what he done.

“I hope he has to serve every day of it,” he said.