Father of murdered Garda Colm Horkan says new memorial is 'so uplifting' for his family 

Mr Horkan told the Irish Examiner: “Colm was such a tragic loss to us. We have missed him so much but what they have done here, our football club, our athletics club here, what they have done and the tribute that they have paid him by developing this pitch here in his honour is so uplifting to us.

“It makes us so happy to think how well he was thought of and how good they have been to us.

“The gardaí have been very supportive since Colm’s death, very kind, very good to us calling to us every so often from the top down and you couldn’t ask for nicer, better people.” 

It was a day of mixed emotions for the community of Charlestown as they remembered Detective Garda Horkan who was killed in the line of duty on the night of June 17, 2020 in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

His tragic death sent shockwaves not only in Charlestown, Castlerea, and Ballaghaderreen where he had been stationed, but around the country and further afield.

There was an atmosphere of excitement, tinged with sadness as huge numbers turned out to remember Colm, fondly known as The Bear and to celebrate the new facility.

Colm was a well-known figure throughout Charlestown and Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club held a special place for him, having played, coached and volunteered for the club.

Charlestown Sarsfields chairman, and a cousin of Colm, Liam Brehony, spoke of how the idea of the pitch honouring Colm came about when speaking to another relative of Colm’s Bosco Walsh on the night of Colm’s funeral.

A committee was put in place and after a two-year period — with plans pushed back due to covid-19 — the memorial pitch and community walkway is open with more works to be completed in the near future. It was completed with the help of donations, fundraising, 2023 Clár programme and Capital funding.

Taoiseach Simon Harris added: “Colm was an avid player for this club donning the green and white jersey with distinction and pride and I have no doubt he would be so delighted to see these new facilities become available for his community to enjoy for generations to come.

He served with absolute distinction for 24 years before making the ultimate sacrifice whilst the community at his charge.

“I know Colm was held in such high regard by his friends and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. His colleagues describe him as a man of the highest integrity, peacemaker, a rock of sense who loved his job as a Garda."

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee were in attendance.

Among the events of the day three games with Colm’s brother Padraig leading out the Charlestown Masters selection wearing the boots his brother one wore.