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Extra.ie
15-05-2025
- Extra.ie
Road 'closed to all traffic' warning ahead of Garda Kevin Flatley's funeral
Gardai have issued a closed road warning to motorists ahead of Garda Kevin Flatley's funeral on Friday afternoon. Garda Flatley, a serving member of the force, was tragically killed after he was struck by a motorcycle while recording the speeds of vehicles on the R132 at Lanestown, Dublin, on Sunday, May 11. The married father-of-two was the 90th officer to die on duty since the creation of the force in 1922. The motorcyclist was seriously injured in the collision and was transferred to Beaumont Hospital in critical condition. Kevin Flatley. Pic: Following the incident, tributes have poured in for Garda Flatley, ranging from his colleagues to the wider political world, with his funeral to take place on Friday, May 16. Garda Flatley's funeral mass will take place at St Peter and Paul's Church, Balbriggan, Dublin, arriving for the funeral mass at 1.30pm. The funeral mass will be followed by a family burial in Newcastle. Gardai have said the funeral mass will be broadcast live on large screens outside the church. It will also be streamed live on the An Garda Síochána Facebook page, commencing at approximately 1.15pm. Garda Kevin Flatley. Pic: An Garda Síochána Gardai have issued a 'road closed to all traffic' warning ahead of the funeral, also asking people to use public transport if possible. A spokesperson said: 'Parking in the vicinity of St Peter and Paul's Church will be very limited. The carpark beside the church will not be available as it will be required to facilitate overflow from the church. 'Please follow the advice and directions of stewards and Gardaí working in the vicinity of St Peter and Paul's Church. Kevin Flatley. Pic: O'Dwyers GAA 'If possible please use public transport, Balbriggan train station is a 15-minute walk from St Peter and Paul's Church and less than a 5-minute walk from McNally's Funeral Home.' They added: 'The funeral cortege will travel from McNally's Funeral Home, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan to St Peter and Paul's Church on the 16th May 2025. 'To facilitate this cortege, the main street through Balbriggan, R132 (Drogheda Street through Bridge Street and Dublin Street) will be closed to all traffic for a period from approximately 12:00pm midday, until after the funeral services. Diversions will be in place. 'Parking restrictions will also be in place on the main street through Balbriggan, R132 (Drogheda Street through Dublin Street) from Thursday 15th May 2025. 'It is anticipated that there will be additional traffic and pedestrian activity in the vicinity of McNally's Funeral Home, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan on the evening of Thursday 15th May 2025 from 4pm.' It comes as Prime Time reporter Conor Wilson revealed that he personally knew Garda Flatley, who had served as a garda for 26 years and had been with the Roads Policing Unit since 2018. Taking to his Instagram account on Monday evening, Prime Time's Conor Wilson revealed that he knew the well-respected Garda through his involvement with O'Dwyers GAA. 'Kevin Flatley coached my daughter's team since they were in the nursery,' Conor wrote. 'Our girls are in the same class in school. He was a man who fizzed with enthusiasm and encouragement for the girls on the team. 'A gentle soul, immensely good-natured, who took real delight in their progress and never missed an opportunity to tell them how well they'd done.' 'His death is absolutely devastating for our club and our community,' he added. 'Above all else, we're heartbroken for Una, Aoife and Erin. It's such an unfair and crushing blow.'
Irish Times
13-05-2025
- Irish Times
Funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley, killed on duty last weekend, to take place in Dublin
The funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley , who was killed while on duty last weekend in north Dublin, will take place later this week, with large numbers of mourners expected to attend. The funeral mass will take place on Friday afternoon at Saints Peter and Paul's Church in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin , near where he lived with his wife Úna and two young daughters Erin and Aoife. Burial will be in Newcastle, south west Dublin, where Garda Flatley was originally from. Garda Flatley, who coached at O'Dwyers GAA club in Balbriggan, is survived by his parents Michael and Breda, brother John and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Elaine. He was killed at about 12.50pm on Sunday as he was carrying out speed checks on the R132 at Lissenhall near Swords, north Co Dublin. It is understood he had parked his Garda 4X4 on the roadside and was operating a speed gun. READ MORE He detected a motorcyclist breaking the 80kmph speed limit on that stretch of road. As Garda Flatley attempted to flag down the driver, he was struck by the motorbike and died from his injuries. The Yamaha R1 1,000cc motorbike travelled for a significant distance following the collision and came to a stop on the opposite side of the road. Gardaí investigating the death of Garda Flatley are hoping to speak to the motorcyclist soon in a bid to establish how the fatal crash came about. While there were fears in the hours after the collision that the man (30s) may die from his injuries, his condition has improved since then. [ Garda Kevin Flatley death: Motorcyclist in collision makes slight improvement in hospital Opens in new window ] Gardaí working on the investigation into Garda Flatley's death are keen to speak to the man as soon as he is well enough, though it is unclear when that may be as he suffered significant injuries. Gardaí have a series of questions they want to put to him. Footage of the fatal crash was also captured, which is vital to the garda investigation. This footage may also inform the coroner's inquest and, separately, any criminal charges that may arise, depending on the evidence gathered and the decisions of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Garda Flatley's death followed several incidents in which officers were injured on traffic duty. In the early hours of May 2nd, a garda on duty in Ardee, Co Louth, approached a van that suddenly accelerated and hit him before leaving the scene. The garda suffered broken bones and required surgery. A man was later arrested. Earlier last week, an on-duty garda was injured when he was hit by a car. Last Friday, another garda suffered a broken leg in Coolock, Co Dublin, when hit by a motorcycle. A suspect was arrested shortly afterwards. Meanwhile, tributes were paid in the Dáil to Garda Flatley. Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended his 'deepest sympathies' to his family, friends and colleagues. He also extended sympathies 'to the broader force and to all members of An Garda Síochána at what it is a very difficult and traumatic time for them, and a huge blow to the force'. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Garda Flatley 'was a devoted father, a man with a deep grá for community'. Labour justice spokesman Alan Kelly echoed comments made by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who said a 'reset' is needed in how society thinks about road safety.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Funeral details announced for garda Kevin Flatley killed on duty
The 49-year-old father of two was working overtime to help his colleagues when he was hit as he recorded vehicles' speeds on the side of the road on the R132 at Lanestown on Sunday afternoon. The funeral mass for Gda Flatley, who had served as a garda for 26 years and had been with the Roads Policing Unit since 2018, will be held on Friday afternoon in Balbriggan. He is remembered in his funeral notice as a "dedicated member of An Garda Síochána" as well as an "avid member and coach" of O'Dwyers GAA club. Gda Flatley, who is predeceased by his sister Elaine, is described as the "beloved husband of Úna and loving father of Erin and Aoife". "Very sadly missed by his adoring wife and daughters, parents Michael and Breda, brother John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours." He will lie in repose at McNally's Funeral Home in Balbriggan on Thursday, May 15 from 4pm until 7pm, before his removal on Friday afternoon to SS Peter and Paul's Church. His funeral mass will take place at 1.30pm on Friday afternoon, followed by burial in Newcastle Cemetery. His family have requested family flowers only with donations in lieu to Little Blue Heroes, a charity founded by members of the gardaí to support families of children with serious illnesses. Many have paid tribute to Gda Flatley in the aftermath of the incident, including President Michael D Higgins, who said Gda 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 Gda Flately across his life," he said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Tánaiste Simon Harris said Gda Flatley was 'a long-serving and much-respected member' of the force who was 'devoted' to his job, while Garda Representative Association president Mark O'Meara said all at the organisation were 'numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family'. In the aftermath of Gda Flatley's death, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there is a need to ensure gardaí can carry out their duties in as safe an environment as possible. 'I think the Garda Commissioner is correct in saying that there will have to be a reset or a complete re-look at this. We have an obligation to protect the members of An Garda Síochána as they carry out their duties, to do everything that we possibly can to ensure a safe environment,' he told The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk. "Technology will become more and more relevant here and it's application is increasing all of the time, and no doubt the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, and the Garda Commissioner and members of the force will examine and evaluate all of that but, of course, we have to remember that is of little consolation right now to the family of Kevin Flatley." He said Irish society "as a whole" needs to reflect on the incident, on road safety and "on the fundamentals in terms of keeping people safe on the roads". Mr Martin said it is "desperately upsetting and sad for everybody that Kevin Flatley has lost his life in this way", adding: "We simply have to, in the fullness of time, reflect on that and make sure that we can create as safe an environment as we possibly can for members of An Garda Síochána as they endeavour to keep us safe."
Extra.ie
13-05-2025
- Extra.ie
Gardaí have ‘clear' CCTV of moment Garda Kevin Flatley was killed in the line of duty
Clear CCTV footage of the harrowing moment Garda Kevin Flatley was knocked down and killed in the line of duty has been obtained by gardaí. Father of two, Garda Flatley, 49, died while performing a speed check on a local road in Lusk, north County Dublin, on Sunday afternoon. He was hit by a motorcycle he had been trying to flag down. CCTV images obtained from a nearby service station show Gda Flatley's final moments, sources told The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in the incident and is in a critical condition. The scene on the R132 at Lanestown where Garda Kevin Flatley was killed. Pic: Garrett White/PA Wire Garda Flatley's local club, O'Dwyers GAA in Balbriggan, north Dublin, said the community was 'absolutely heartbroken'. They said: 'Kevin was an absolute gentleman who had a huge part to play in our club, always lending a hand when he could. He was always a pleasure to chat to, and his grá for GAA and helping others shone through in every conversation. 'He was a dedicated coach with our U10 girls' team, encouraging the players at all times and bringing great energy. Kevin Flatley. Pic: O'Dwyers GAA 'We extend our deepest condolences to Kevin's wife Una, his two daughters (Aoife and Erin) who play with us in O'Dwyers, and all of his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time. 'He will be sorely missed by all. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.' Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan yesterday expressed his sympathies to Mr Flatley's family and colleagues, saying: 'When Garda Flatley went to work yesterday morning, he went out in the same way as every guard goes out to work, which is to keep the community safe – and he was doing that in his role within the Roads Policing Unit. 'It was a terrible tragedy he lost his life in the line of duty, but it emphasises the sacrifices and the danger associated with policing in Ireland. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos 'We think it's a job which is the same as other jobs – it's not. Every day, members of An Garda Síochána put themselves personally in danger by carrying out their duty on behalf of the people of Ireland, and it is a tragedy that Garda Flatley paid the ultimate price yesterday whilst performing his duty.' Gardaí want anyone who saw the Yamaha R motorcycle from 12 pm on Sunday to make contact with investigators. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said another garda 'unbelievably' had his leg broken after being struck by a motorcycle the same day, while a third suffered a broken leg after being hit by a vehicle in another incident a week earlier. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Pic: Sam Boal/ Asked about a review into roads policing, Mr O'Callaghan said people need to look at their own behaviour 'in the first instance as opposed to' asking what the gardaí can do differently. 'We need to slow down. There is too much speed on our roads. There are too many lives being lost on our roads. Primary responsibility rests on all of us to ensure we're not driving excessively fast – that's something within all our control.' Asked about the dangers of roads policing raised by the Commissioner, Mr O'Callaghan said he will implement 'whatever new measures are required in order to ensure that gardaí are kept as safe as possible during their roads policing. The scene on the R132 at Lanestown where Garda Kevin Flatley was killed. Pic: Garrett White/PA Wire 'Obviously, it's an area that's also hugely dependent upon technology – we need to use technology as much as possible. A recently approved new contract for the use of more road traffic cameras, that's an area that can be as effective. 'But no matter what technologies we introduce, we're never going to get away from the fact that we want and we will need to have members of An Garda Síochána actively on the ground, policing the law and protecting the community. 'That's what Garda Flatley was doing yesterday. Tragically, he lost his life while doing it, but his public service is commendable, and it's something we should all sort of honour and reflect upon,' he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland. Asked what shape a review of roads policing should take in the wake of Garda Flatley's death, the minister said: 'We need to reflect upon: Are gardaí being exposed to excessive danger?' Earlier, the vice president of the Garda Representative Association told the same programme that Sunday was a 'dreadful' day for the organisation. Niall Hodgins said Mr Flatley is remembered as a 'friend, colleague and teammate' who wore his uniform with 'dignity, courage and pride… His colleagues have told me his presence enriched all the stations that he has served in… and his kindness, I understand, touched everybody that knew him,' he said.
Extra.ie
12-05-2025
- Extra.ie
'Devastated' Prime Time reporter pays tribute to friend Garda Flatley
Prime Time reporter Conor Wilson has revealed that he personally knew the Garda who tragically lost his life in an incident at a speed checkpoint on Sunday. Kevin Flatley died after being hit by a motorcycle as he was recording vehicles' speeds on the R132 at Lanestown on Sunday afternoon. The 49-year-old had served as a garda for 26 years and had been with the Roads Policing Unit since 2018. The married father-of-two was the 90th officer to die on duty since the creation of the force in 1922. Kevin Flatley. Pic: O'Dwyers GAA Earlier on Monday, O'Dwyers GAA in Balbriggan paid tribute to Garda Flatley, lauding him as 'an absolute gentleman' who played a 'huge part' in the club. Taking to his Instagram account on Monday evening, Prime Time's Conor Wilson revealed that he also knew the well-respected Garda through his involvement with O'Dwyers GAA. 'Kevin Flatley coached my daughter's team since they were in the nursery,' Conor wrote. 'Our girls are in the same class in school. He was a man who fizzed with enthusiasm and encouragement for the girls on the team. 'A gentle soul, immensely good-natured, who took real delight in their progress and never missed an opportunity to tell them how well they'd done.' 'His death is absolutely devastating for our club and our community,' he added. 'Above all else, we're heartbroken for Una, Aoife and Erin. It's such an unfair and crushing blow.' Conor went on to share a photo of himself and Garda Flatley together at a match writing: 'RIP Kev.' Garda Kevin Flatley. Pic: An Garda Síochána Gardai have appealed to anyone who saw the Yamaha R motorcycle involved in the crash from 12pm on Sunday onwards to contact investigators and aid their inquiries. An appeal for witnesses and those with relevant dashcam or video footage has also been made.
