Hundreds upon hundreds of Gardai lined the streets of Blackrock in County Louth to accompany their colleague to his place of rest.
Garda Tony Golden’s coffin was draped in the Irish tricolour and was carried into the church to the song “Here I Am Lord”.
Symbols of Mr Golden’s life were brought to the altar, a Ballina Stephenites jersey as he was from Mayo and a family photograph.
Colleagues brought Tony Golden’s “time-out” items to the altar; a remote control, a can of Coke, a Drifter chocolate bar and a bag of Hunky Dory crisps.
The church only held 300, but many mourners crowded around the church. The seating was reserved for family, friends,.colleagues and various politicians such as the Taoiseach and President.
He was referred to as a “gentle giant” by Father Padraig Keenan, Parish Priest of Haggardstown and Blackrock.
“One cannot imagine the hurt and pain that the family and friends of Tony are feeling, but God will help them at this difficult time”.
All businesses in the little Louth town have closed as a sign of respect.