Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paid tribute to Gardaí who have died in service at an annual memorial ceremony held in Dublin Castle. 

Some 89 Gardaí have died in the line of duty since the formation of An Garda Síochána in 1922. 

Family members of Gardaí who died in the service of the State took part in the ceremony this afternoon. 

Detective Garda Colm Horkan was the last member of the force to die while on duty in July 2020.  

Minister for Justice Simon Harris was among those in attendance as the names of each Garda were read aloud. 

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paid tribute to the members of An Garda Síochána who died.

20/05/2023 Dublin, Ireland. Pictured Garda Commissioner Drew Harris at the annual Garda Memorial Day. Dubhlinn Gardens, Dublin Castle this afternoon. Photograph: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

“There are unfortunately occasions when members of An Garda Síochána are asked to carry out the most difficult of duties - putting their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others,” he said.  

“Many of us here today sadly know the devastating impact that this has had on families and loved ones. It is a day to commemorate and celebrate the lives of courageous Gardaí.” 

"Ultimate sacrifice"

General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors Annette Cunningham said it is important to remember Gardaí who made “the ultimate sacrifice”.  

“It's a very emotional day for the friends and family of those that have died within An Garda Síochána, some of them in very tragic circumstances, some of them murdered in the line of duty,” she said.  

“We remember them all, and it's our privilege to be here to stand and remember those brave  colleagues that have gone before us.”