‘Loss felt across policing family': PSNI chief pays tribute to Garda killed at speed checkpoint

Belfast Telegraph

11-05-2025

The highly respected officer has been named as Garda Kevin Flatley, age 49, who was based in the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle.
It is understood he was conducting a speed checkpoint on the R132 in the Lanestown area of north Dublin when the collision occurred.
Garda Flatley was critically injured at the scene and pronounced dead a short time later. The motorcyclist, aged in his 30s, also suffered serious injuries.
Several garda units, including the Armed Response Unit could be seen racing to the scene on the Old Swords Road, between Swords and Balbriggan after lunchtime.
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Jon Boutcher has extended 'heartfelt condolences' after Garda Flatley died in the line of duty.
'The loss of an officer is felt across the entire policing family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and An Garda Síochána colleagues at this difficult time,' he said.
'Kevin's death is a stark reminder of the risks that police officers face every day as they work to protect the public and keep people safe.
"His dedication, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.'
A section of road where the collision occurred has been cordoned off with emergency services at the scene.
President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have led tributes.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, a former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, described Garda Flatley as a 'faithful public servant'.
'I have to say this is a desperately sad day for An Garda Siochana. Really our most deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Flatley, to his wife Una and to his children and his extended family, including his parents,' he said.
'Kevin today was performing his duty as a Roads Policing member. He's been engaged in Roads Policing from 2018, he was a very professional, proficient officer.
'He was engaged in duty to prevent speeding and he was involved in the detection of speeding on a road known as the R132, the old N1 as you travel north towards Balbriggan, and, really regrettably, a collision takes place, he's struck by a motorbike and subsequently then dies from his injuries.
'This is a terrible loss for us all, but all of us acknowledge how heavy a blow this is on his family.
"I'd just like to say Kevin has been a very faithful public servant. He has served in An Garda Siochana for 25 years and, prior to serving with Roads Policing, he served as a community officer in the Blanchardstown area and was well known and well liked there, indeed well known throughout the organisation.'
President Michael D Higgins said: "As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Garda Kevin Flatley, who today lost his life while serving the community.
'Garda Flatley dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe. The loss of a Garda has a deep impact on society due to this strong connection and my thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and cared for Garda Flatley across his life.
'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended his sympathies to the family of Garda Flatley.
"Our gardaí serve with courage and dedication each and every day to keep the public safe and to prevent crime,' Mr Martin said.
"The loss of a garda while on duty will be keenly felt by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all members of An Garda Síochána.
"Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy.'
Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
'Shortly before 1pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision on the R132 in Lanestown, North County Dublin, where a motorcycle struck a member of An Garda Síochána's Roads Policing Unit while on duty,' the force said in a statement.
'The Garda, a male aged 49, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The motorcyclist, also a male and aged in 30s, was transported by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. His condition is understood to be serious.
'The area has been preserved for forensic and technical examination, with traffic diversions currently in place. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified.
'Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
'Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating Gardaí.
'Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said it was with 'profound shock and sadness' that he learned of Garda Flatley's death.
'Garda Flatley was a long-serving and much-respected member of An Garda Síochána, devoted to his job and to keeping his community safe. There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads,' Mr Harris said.
'The untimely loss of Garda Flatley reminds us of the frailty of life and how suddenly loss and grief can be thrust upon us. It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that Gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people.
'I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and all those who loved him.
'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.'
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said he was 'deeply shocked' by the news.
'Very sadly, this brave Garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country,' he said.
'The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities.
'As Minister for Justice, I convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the parents, family and friends of Garda Flatley and indeed to the whole family of An Garda Síochána.'
Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson said: 'Following the news of the death of Garda Kevin Flatley while on duty in North County Dublin, I wish to express my shock and to call for prayers to remember Garda Flatley, and express my condolences to Kevin's wife and two children.
"My prayerful sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of all who have been affected by the tragic incident in which his life was lost this afternoon.'
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, who is also a TD for the area, described the death of the garda in the line of duty as a tragedy.
'My heartfelt thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,' he said.
'Anyone with information should contact the Gardaí immediately.'
General secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), Ronan Clogher, described the news as 'devastating' and called it 'a dark day' for An Garda Síochána.
'We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances,' he said.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.'
AGSI president Declan Higgins said the association will provide all their support to members, garda colleagues and their families at this tragic time.
He has also appealed to members of the public to heed garda appeals for information. 'I would ask the public to respond to calls for any information as they work on this investigation. There will be tough days ahead and we really ask for the public's support.'
Garda Representative Association president Mark O'Meara said: 'As an Association we have been numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family.
'Today our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues.
'We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.'