The Taoiseach has paid tribute to Garda Kevin Flatley following his death on duty on Sunday afternoon.
The father-of-two was struck by a motorcycle while carrying out a speed checkpoint in north Dublin.
The motorcyclist, who is aged in his 30s, remains in a serious condition in Beaumont Hospital.
On The Pat Kenny Show, Micheál Martin said everyone in Ireland was “numbed” by the news of his death.
“Our deepest sympathies go to his wife, Una, and his lovely daughters, Aoife and Erin,” he said.
“Members of An Garda Síochána are a fundamental part of our society, they protect us and they keep us safe.
“Like Kevin Flately, they’re also involved outside of duty in supporting community organisations and he was very involved in coaching an under 10 team at his local GAA club.
“I think it’s that unique connection between An Garda Síochána and the wider community that leads to a very strong sense of solidarity and empathy with the family of Kevin Flatley and with the entire force of An Garda Síochána.
“We have lost a person, by the accounts of all his colleagues, gave so much to the force and gave so much to the community as well.”
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Mr Martin added that it is “quite shocking” that he died on duty.
“It reminds us that An Garda Síochána are always in danger,” he said.
“That the very nature of their work is such that it puts them in harm’s way - when perhaps one least expects it.
“I think we should always be very, very conscious of that, of the sacrifices, the risks that are taken every day by members of An Garda Síochána.”
It was with profound shock and sadness that I learned today of the loss of Garda Kevin Flatley who died in the course of his duties on Sunday.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and all those who loved him. pic.twitter.com/nS6cDxujkf
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 11, 2025
Also on Newstalk, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described yesterday as a “terrible day”.
“The first thing I want to do is I want to express my condolences to Garda Flatley’s wife, Una, and their daughters, Aoife and Erin,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.
“It was a shocking day; Garda Flatley was out doing work that we asked him to do.
“He was a member of the Roads Policing Unit; he was out yesterday trying to keep road users safe.”
Meanwhile, Fingal County Council is to open books of condolences at County Hall in Swords and Civic Offices in Blanchardstown.
Main image: Split of Micheál Martin and Garda Kevin Flatley.
