‘Ultimate sacrifice to people of Ireland' – Gardai issue emotional statement after Gda Flatley's tragic checkpoint death
GARDAI across the country have issued emotional tributes as they mourn the loss of their colleague Garda Kevin Flatley.
The Dublin Castle-based
on the R132 at Lanestown in north
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on Sunday afternoon.
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Garda Kevin Flatley is the 90th Garda to die in the line of duty
Credit: Garda Press Office
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Condolence books have opened across the country for the beloved dad
Credit: Facebook/An Garda Síochána
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Flags across the country are flying at half mast to honour Garda Flatley
Credit: Facebook/An Garda Síochána
Garda Flatley was struck by a Yamaha 1000 motorcycle at the checkpoint, the driver of which remains in a critical condition in Beamount hospital.
The country has been thrown into mourning following the death of the 49-year-old dad, who was
Condolence books have opened across the country and a special ceremony was held in Dublin Castle last night to
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The dad-of-two's car remained at Dublin Castle during the service, where he had parked it before his fatal shift on Sunday.
Gardai have now issued an heartbreaking statement of thanks to the Irish public who have rallied in support of
They said: "Your support over the past 24hrs since the devastating loss of our colleague, Garda Kevin Flatley while on-duty is of comfort to us all.
"Thank you for your sincere, kind words of condolences during this dark time - they are appreciated and felt by the whole organisation.
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"We understand that many of you may wish to extend condolences to Garda Flatley's loved ones having given the ultimate sacrifice to the people of Ireland.
Micheal Martin 'deeply saddened' of Garda Kevin Flatley at Dublin checkpoint
"There are now Books of Condolences open to you at An Garda Síochána, Dublin Castle where Garda Flatley was stationed, Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park, and in stations across Ireland.
"Please see our regional Facebook and Instagram pages for local information."
An
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A memorial prayer service was held in Dublin Castle yesterday
Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
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Gardai gathered to support each other as they mourn the significant loss
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Garda Commissioner Drew Harris attended the service
Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Gardai in
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Posting on social media they said: " A Book of Condolence has been opened for members of the public who wish to express their condolences to the family of Garda Kevin Flatley. It is available at the reception desk of Carlow Garda Station.
Garda Kevin Flatley will be mourned by all of us
Carlow Gardai
"Garda Kevin Flatley was a son to Breda and Michael, a husband to Úna and a father to Aoife and Erin. Kevin was appointed to An Garda Síochána in September 1998 and started his career in Pearse Street Garda Station.
"In January 2002 he transferred to Blanchardstown Garda Station where he worked in Community Policing. In October 2018, he joined the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle.
"Garda Kevin Flatley will be mourned by all of us in An Garda Síochána and the ultimate sacrifice he made to keep people safer on our roads will not be forgotten."
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'DEDICATED SERVICE'
Similar tributes have poured in from Garda Stations around the country as the force "reel" from the loss of their colleague.
Louth Gardai have also invited the public in to stations across the county to sign a book of condolence for Kevin Flatley.
They said: "As we reel from the tragic death of our colleague, Garda Kevin Flatley, we continue to think of his wife and daughters, his family, colleagues, friends and all who knew and loved him.
"Any member of the public who wishes to express their condolences on the death of Garda Flatley RIP are welcome to attend Dundalk Garda Station, Drogheda Garda Station and Ardee Garda Station where books of condolences have been opened.
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"Sadly, on Sunday 11th May 2025, Kevin became the 90th Member of An Garda Síochána not to return home from his duty.
"The flags in Garda Stations across the country may fly at half mast over the next few days as we mourn our colleague who died in the line of duty, serving the people of Ireland.
"Rest in peace, Garda Flatley, 27260D. You gave a life of service to the people of Ireland. Thank you for your 26 years of dedicated service."
INFORMATION APPEAL
Gardai are continuing to investigate the untimely death of their
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Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary told how a senior investigating officer had been appointed to lead the investigation.
He explained 'We have spoken to witnesses and collected CCTV footage but I would like to reissue that appeal to any person who may have been on the R132 or in that area to come forward with any information.'
Following the collision, the bike involved landed 300 metres from the impact.
As part of the probe, the brave officer's speed camera will be examined to establish the speed of the motorcycle.
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Gardai are examining CCTV footage from a nearby garage before the crash.
Garda Commissioner
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Garda stations across the country are inviting the public in to sign condolence books
Credit: Social Media Collect
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Garda Kevin Flatley served for 26 years
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Gardai and the public have left flowers at the site where the Garda lost his life
Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
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